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Jeyne Arryn

2026-08-07T19:53:18Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Character */

{{For|the first wife of Jon Arryn|Jeyne Royce}}
{{Infobox character
| firstname = Jeyne
| lastname = Arryn
| arms = Arryn
| title = Lady
| epithet = the Maiden of the Vale
| image = Jeyne_Arryn_by_dreamgirlindescansos.jpg
| image_caption = Jeyne Arryn, dreamgirlindescansos ©
| Alias = The Maiden of the Vale{{Ref|FAB|13}}
| Title = [[Lady of the Eyrie]]{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Defender of the Vale]]{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Warden of the East]]{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Regent|Lady Regent]]{{Ref|FAB|20}}
| Allegiance = [[House Arryn]] [[Blacks]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Valemen]]
| Father = Lord [[Lord Arryn (father of Jeyne)|Arryn]]
| Mother =
| Spouse =
| Lover = [[Jessamyn Redfort]]
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|94}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Jeyne Arryn|Jeyne Arryn]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death = the [[Motherhouse of Maris]] in [[Gulltown]]{{Ref|FAB|23}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|134}}{{Ref|FAB|23}}
| 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:Amanda Collin|Amanda Collin]]
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|Season 2]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 3|3]]
}}

'''Jeyne Arryn''', called '''the Maiden of the Vale''', was the Lady of the [[Eyrie]] and the head of [[House Arryn]] during the reign of kings [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]], [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]], [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]], and [[Aegon III Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|12}}{{Ref|FAB|13}}{{Ref|FAB|14}}

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Jeyne is portrayed by [[w:Amanda Collin|Amanda Collin]].

==Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Jeyne Arryn|l1=Images of Jeyne Arryn}}
Lady Jeyne fiercely defended her rights, despite some claiming that women were "too soft to rule". She had no fear of armies, but was concerned about potential [[dragon]] attacks on the [[Eyrie]]. She felt that she and her cousin, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], should band together as female rulers in a world of men, though she did not care for Rhaenyra's husband, [[Daemon Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|14}}

Lady Jeyne never married, thus receiving the title "the Maiden of the Vale". According to the scurrilous ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom|Testimony]]'' of the [[fool]] [[Mushroom]], Jeyne was a "highborn harlot" with a voracious appetite for men. In his ''[[The Reign of King Viserys, First of His Name, and the Dance of the Dragons That Came After|The Reign of King Viserys]]'', however, [[Septon]] [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] repeats the widespread rumor that Jeyne preferred the [[Gender and sexuality|intimate companionship of other women,]] but goes on to say it was not true.{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Jessamyn Redfort]] was a "dear companion" of Jeyne.{{Ref|FAB|23}}

==History==
===Early Life===
Jeyne became Lady of the [[Eyrie]] in {{Date|97}} when she was three years old, after her [[Lord Arryn (father of Jeyne)|father]] and older brothers were killed at the hands of the [[Stone Crows]].{{Ref|FAB|14}} She did not attend the [[Great Council]] of {{Date|101}}. In her stead went Lord [[Yorbert Royce]], who served as [[Lord Protector of the Eyrie and the Vale of Arryn|Lord Protector]] and [[regent]] during Jeyne's minority.{{Ref|FAB|12}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|4|1}}

Jeyne's inheritance was twice contested by her cousin, Ser [[Arnold Arryn]]. Consequently, he was imprisoned in one of the [[sky cells]],{{Ref|FAB|14}}{{Ref|FAB|23}} while he and his descendants were disinherited from the Arryn line of succession by her last testament.{{Ref|FAB|23}} Jeyne would later say that "thrice" her own kin had tried to replace her, but it was also clearly stated that Arnold only rebelled against her twice;{{Ref|FAB|14}} possibly the third time was when she was initially named ruler of the Vale at only three years old, or when she [[coming of age|came of age]] in {{Date|110}}.

On the death of Lady [[Rhea Royce]] in {{Date|115}}, her husband Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] appealed to Lady Jeyne in the hopes of claiming [[Runestone]] for himself. Jeyne not only rejected his claim, but also warned him that his presence in the [[Vale of Arryn]] was unwelcome.{{Ref|FAB|12}}

===Dance of the Dragons===
[[File:Jeyne Arryn and Rhaena of Pentos by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|right|350px|Jeyne and her [[ward]], [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]], and Rhaena's [[dragon]], [[Morning]]. Illustrated by Riotarttherite ©]]
At the start of the [[Dance of the Dragons]] in the 3rd moon of {{Date|129}}, King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s [[green council]] decided to not seek support from Lady Jeyne, as they believed her rights might be called into question should those of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] be put aside.{{Ref|FAB|13}} As for Queen Rhaenyra's [[blacks|black party]], she sent her son, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]], north on his [[dragon]], [[Vermax]], to treat with the Lady of the Vale for her cause. According to [[Mushroom]], Lady Jeyne offered Jacaerys the allegiance of the [[Vale of Arryn]] if he could bring her to climax using his tongue. [[Grand Maester]] [[Munkun]]'s ''[[True Telling]]'' makes no such mention. He quotes Jeyne saying that despite her contempt for Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], Rhaenyra was an [[House Arryn|Arryn]] on her mother's side (through Rhaenyra's mother, [[Aemma Arryn]]), and women should band together. Lady Jeyne's only request was [[dragonrider]]s to protect the [[Eyrie]] from the [[greens]]' own dragons. After Jacaerys agreed, Lady Jeyne and her warriors knelt before the prince, bringing the Vale into the civil war on the side of the [[blacks]].{{Ref|FAB|14}}

Late in {{Date|129}}, Prince Jacaerys fulfilled his promise to Lady Jeyne, and sent his younger brother [[Joffrey Velaryon]] to fly to [[Gulltown]] with his young dragon [[Tyraxes]], to deter the [[greens]] from attacking the Vale. Munkun suggests Prince Jacaerys actually sent Joffrey to the Vale to keep him safe, as his young dragon was barely large enough to ride and would be no match for the greens' dragons in combat (though a young dragon would still deter enemies with no dragons, while fulfilling the promise to Jeyne). Prince Joffrey was accompanied by Lady [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]], one of Daemon's twin daughters and his first cousin,{{Ref|FAB|15}} and Jeyne made Rhaena her [[Fosterage|ward]].{{Ref|FAB|16}} Rhaena brought with her three [[dragon egg]]s, and prayed nightly for their hatching.{{Ref|FAB|15}}

While the Vale ultimately suffered no direct attacks in the war, Jeyne sent forces by sea by way of Gulltown to join the queen's hosts at [[King's Landing]] after the [[Fall of King's Landing|fall of the city]].{{Ref|FAB|16}}

Following the [[Riot of King's Landing (Dance of the Dragons)|riot of King's Landing]] and the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]], Rhaenyra [[Flight to Dragonstone|fled]] the capital for [[Duskendale]]. Lady Jeyne sent a message of support from her [[Seasons|winter]] castle, the [[Gates of the Moon]], but since the passes of the [[Mountains of the Moon]] were closed by snow, her army would have to come by sea. If Rhaenyra were to send transport [[ship]]s to Gulltown, or [[gold]] to hire ships, Jeyne was willing to send her troops; unfortunately, the queen lacked both ships and gold. After Rhaenyra had to leave Duskendale, Ser [[Harrold Darke]] of the [[Queensguard]] urged her to seek refuge with Lady Jeyne in the Vale. Rhaenyra, however, was determined to return to [[Dragonstone]], and refused his council. The queen was eventually killed by King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s dragon [[Sunfyre]] on the island in the 10th moon of {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|17}}

The remaining blacks refused to surrender: the black army defeated the last of the green army at the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]], and a new host of [[Northmen]] was marching south led by Lord [[Cregan Stark]]. Lady Arryn assembled a host of eight thousand [[men-at-arms]] and fifteen hundred [[knights]] in opposition to King Aegon II, and sent envoys to [[Braavos]] to arrange for ships to bring them against [[King's Landing]]. In {{Date|131}}, one of Rhaena's dragon eggs hatched at the Eyrie, and she named the hatchling [[Morning]]. News of Morning's birth emboldened the blacks while greatly troubling the greens, because by that point in the war both sides had lost all their other dragons (save for three that had gone wild or missing). Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] feared that the blacks' possession of this new dragon at the Eyrie, even if it was still just a hatchling, would make the [[smallfolk]] see their side as more legitimate.{{Ref|FAB|18}}

King Aegon II was [[poison]]ed, and Rhaenyra's son, King [[Aegon III Targaryen]], came to the throne. Ten thousand men from the Vale, under the command of Lord [[Leowyn Corbray|Leowyn]] and Ser [[Corwyn Corbray]], eventually landed at [[Maidenpool]] and Duskendale, and were welcomed with feasts and flowers. Lady Jeyne, her ward Rhaena Targaryen, and Rhaena's dragon Morning, set sail from Gulltown, and they arrived in King's Landing during the [[Hour of the Wolf]], when Lord Cregan Stark controlled the city and did justice to Aegon II's killers. Lady Jeyne supported Rhaena and her sister, [[Baela Targaryen]], when they demanded to see their brother, Aegon III, who Cregan was keeping secluded. Mushroom credits Lady Jeyne among the women who brought peace at the end of the civil war.{{Ref|FAB|19}}

===Regency of Aegon III===
[[File:Jeyne Arryn and Jessamyn Redfort by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|right|350px|Jeyne and her "dear companion", [[Jessamyn Redfort]], by Riotarttherite ©]]
Following the conclusion of the civil war, Lady Jeyne served as one of the [[Regency of Aegon III|seven initial regents]] to [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s eldest surviving son, King [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. Jeyne returned to the [[Vale of Arryn]] in {{Date|132}} to deal with raiding [[Vale mountain clans|mountain clansmen]].{{Ref|FAB|20}} When the [[disease|epidemic]] called the [[Winter Fever]] ended in {{Date|133}}, Lord [[Manfryd Mooton]] wanted the other regents, including Jeyne, to convene to decide on the appointments and arrangements the king had made while the regents were ill and after the passing of his [[Hand of the King]], [[Tyland Lannister]]. However, Lord [[Unwin Peake]] declared that the former regents had given up their places on the council by departing King's Landing, made himself Hand, and reversed all of Aegon's decisions. When Lord Unwin [[betrothed]] Aegon to his daughter, [[Myrielle Peake|Myrielle]], Lady Jeyne was one of the many lords who disapproved, sending an angry note from the Vale.{{Ref|FAB|21}}

Jeyne died at age 40 in {{Date|134}} of a [[w:chest cold|chest cold]] while in the [[Motherhouse of Maris]] in [[Gulltown]]. The unmarried Maid of the Vale passed away in the arms of her "dear companion," [[Jessamyn Redfort]]. On her deathbed, Lady Jeyne dictated her last testament, naming as her heir her distant cousin and the [[Knight of the Bloody Gate]], Ser [[Joffrey Arryn]]. However, a [[Arryn Succession Conflict (134 AC)|conflict over her succession]] ensued upon her death, as Arnold's son Ser [[Eldric Arryn]], and [[Isembard Arryn]], head of the [[House Arryn of Gulltown|Gulltown Arryns]], tried to contest Lord Joffrey's inheritance. Though many lords of the Vale insisted that the [[laws]] of inheritance could not be put aside by "the whim of a dying woman", Ser [[Corwyn Corbray]], one of Aegon III's regents, ruled that Jeyne's will must prevail.{{Ref|FAB|23}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jeyne Arryn by sleazyjanet.png|thumb|right|350px|Jeyne Arryn, by sleazyjanet ©]]

{{Quote|Thrice have mine own kin sought to replace me. My cousin Ser [[Arnold Arryn|Arnold]] is wont to say that women are too soft to rule. I have him in one of my [[sky cell]]s, if you would like to ask him.{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|Your Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] used [[Rhea Royce|his first wife]] most cruelly, it is true... but notwithstanding [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|your mother’s]] poor
taste in consorts, she remains our rightful queen, and mine own blood besides, an [[House Arryn|Arryn]] on [[Aemma Arryn|her mother’s]] side.{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|In this world of men, we women must band together.{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|I have no fear of armies. Many and more have broken themselves against my [[Bloody Gate]], and the [[Eyrie]] is known to be impregnable. But you have [[dragon|descended on us from the sky]], as Queen [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]] once did during [[Aegon's Conquest|the Conquest]], and I was powerless to halt you. I mislike feeling powerless. Send me [[dragonriders]].{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|The great [[lord]]s would have given us another two years of war, it was the women who made the peace. [[Alysanne Blackwood|Black Aly]], the Maiden of the Vale, the [[Three Widows]], the [[Dragon Twins]], ’twas them who brought [[Dance of the Dragons|the bloodshed]] to an end, and not with [[sword]]s or [[poison]], but with [[raven]]s, words, and kisses.{{Ref|FAB|19}}|[[Mushroom]], in his ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom|Testimony]]''}}

==Family==
The exact relationship of Jeyne's father to his predecessor [[Rodrik Arryn]] is unknown, but he was probably Rodrik's eldest son from his first marriage. His second marriage, to [[Daella Targaryen (daughter of Jaehaerys I)|Daella Targaryen]], resulted in her dying giving birth to [[Aemma Arryn]], mother of Rhaenyra Targaryen. If true, this would make Aemma the half-sister to Jeyne's father, and thus make Jeyne the half-first cousin of Rhaenyra on her mother's side.
{{Arryn tree Aegon III}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Lord Arryn (father of Jeyne)|Lord Arryn]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lady of the Eyrie]] [[Defender of the Vale]] [[Warden of the East]]|years={{Date|97}}–{{Date|134}}|regent1=[[Yorbert Royce]]|years1={{Date|97}}–?}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Joffrey Arryn]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Lords of the Eyrie}}
{{Aegon III small council}}

[[Category:House Arryn]]
[[Category:94 AC births|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:134 AC deaths|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Blacks|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Characters from the Vale|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:LGBT+ characters|Arryn, Jeyne‎]]
[[Category:Lords of the Eyrie]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon III Targaryen's court|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Noblewomen|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Regents|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Ruling ladies|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Wardens of the East|Arryn, Jeyne]]

[[es:Jeyne Arryn]]
[[fr:Jeyne Arryn]]
[[pt:Jeyne Arryn]]
[[ru:Джейн Аррен]]
[[zh:简妮·艾林]]

Jeyne Arryn

2026-08-07T19:52:25Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Character */

{{For|the first wife of Jon Arryn|Jeyne Royce}}
{{Infobox character
| firstname = Jeyne
| lastname = Arryn
| arms = Arryn
| title = Lady
| epithet = the Maiden of the Vale
| image = Jeyne_Arryn_by_dreamgirlindescansos.jpg
| image_caption = Jeyne Arryn, dreamgirlindescansos ©
| Alias = The Maiden of the Vale{{Ref|FAB|13}}
| Title = [[Lady of the Eyrie]]{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Defender of the Vale]]{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Warden of the East]]{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Regent|Lady Regent]]{{Ref|FAB|20}}
| Allegiance = [[House Arryn]] [[Blacks]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Valemen]]
| Father = Lord [[Lord Arryn (father of Jeyne)|Arryn]]
| Mother =
| Spouse =
| Lover = [[Jessamyn Redfort]]
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|94}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Jeyne Arryn|Jeyne Arryn]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death = the [[Motherhouse of Maris]] in [[Gulltown]]{{Ref|FAB|23}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|134}}{{Ref|FAB|23}}
| 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:Amanda Collin|Amanda Collin]]
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|Season 2]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 3|3]]
}}

'''Jeyne Arryn''', called '''the Maiden of the Vale''', was the Lady of the [[Eyrie]] and the head of [[House Arryn]] during the reign of kings [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]], [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]], [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]], and [[Aegon III Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|12}}{{Ref|FAB|13}}{{Ref|FAB|14}}

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Jeyne is portrayed by [[w:Amanda Collin|Amanda Collin]].

==Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Jeyne Arryn|l1=Images of Jeyne Arryn}}
Lady Jeyne fiercely defended her rights, despite some claiming that women were "too soft to rule". She had no fear of armies, but was concerned about potential [[dragon]] attacks on the [[Eyrie]]. She felt that she and her cousin, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], should band together as female rulers in a world of men, though she did not care for Rhaenyra's husband, [[Daemon Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|14}}

Lady Jeyne never married, thus receiving the title "the Maiden of the Vale". According to the scurrilous ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom|Testimony]]'' of the [[fool]] [[Mushroom]], Jeyne was a "highborn harlot" with a voracious appetite for men. In his ''[[The Reign of King Viserys, First of His Name, and the Dance of the Dragons That Came After|The Reign of King Viserys]]'', however, [[Septon]] [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] repeats the widespread rumor that Jeyne preferred the [[Gender and Sexuality|intimate companionship of other women,]] but goes on to say it was not true.{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Jessamyn Redfort]] was a "dear companion" of Jeyne.{{Ref|FAB|23}}

==History==
===Early Life===
Jeyne became Lady of the [[Eyrie]] in {{Date|97}} when she was three years old, after her [[Lord Arryn (father of Jeyne)|father]] and older brothers were killed at the hands of the [[Stone Crows]].{{Ref|FAB|14}} She did not attend the [[Great Council]] of {{Date|101}}. In her stead went Lord [[Yorbert Royce]], who served as [[Lord Protector of the Eyrie and the Vale of Arryn|Lord Protector]] and [[regent]] during Jeyne's minority.{{Ref|FAB|12}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|4|1}}

Jeyne's inheritance was twice contested by her cousin, Ser [[Arnold Arryn]]. Consequently, he was imprisoned in one of the [[sky cells]],{{Ref|FAB|14}}{{Ref|FAB|23}} while he and his descendants were disinherited from the Arryn line of succession by her last testament.{{Ref|FAB|23}} Jeyne would later say that "thrice" her own kin had tried to replace her, but it was also clearly stated that Arnold only rebelled against her twice;{{Ref|FAB|14}} possibly the third time was when she was initially named ruler of the Vale at only three years old, or when she [[coming of age|came of age]] in {{Date|110}}.

On the death of Lady [[Rhea Royce]] in {{Date|115}}, her husband Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] appealed to Lady Jeyne in the hopes of claiming [[Runestone]] for himself. Jeyne not only rejected his claim, but also warned him that his presence in the [[Vale of Arryn]] was unwelcome.{{Ref|FAB|12}}

===Dance of the Dragons===
[[File:Jeyne Arryn and Rhaena of Pentos by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|right|350px|Jeyne and her [[ward]], [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]], and Rhaena's [[dragon]], [[Morning]]. Illustrated by Riotarttherite ©]]
At the start of the [[Dance of the Dragons]] in the 3rd moon of {{Date|129}}, King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s [[green council]] decided to not seek support from Lady Jeyne, as they believed her rights might be called into question should those of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] be put aside.{{Ref|FAB|13}} As for Queen Rhaenyra's [[blacks|black party]], she sent her son, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]], north on his [[dragon]], [[Vermax]], to treat with the Lady of the Vale for her cause. According to [[Mushroom]], Lady Jeyne offered Jacaerys the allegiance of the [[Vale of Arryn]] if he could bring her to climax using his tongue. [[Grand Maester]] [[Munkun]]'s ''[[True Telling]]'' makes no such mention. He quotes Jeyne saying that despite her contempt for Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], Rhaenyra was an [[House Arryn|Arryn]] on her mother's side (through Rhaenyra's mother, [[Aemma Arryn]]), and women should band together. Lady Jeyne's only request was [[dragonrider]]s to protect the [[Eyrie]] from the [[greens]]' own dragons. After Jacaerys agreed, Lady Jeyne and her warriors knelt before the prince, bringing the Vale into the civil war on the side of the [[blacks]].{{Ref|FAB|14}}

Late in {{Date|129}}, Prince Jacaerys fulfilled his promise to Lady Jeyne, and sent his younger brother [[Joffrey Velaryon]] to fly to [[Gulltown]] with his young dragon [[Tyraxes]], to deter the [[greens]] from attacking the Vale. Munkun suggests Prince Jacaerys actually sent Joffrey to the Vale to keep him safe, as his young dragon was barely large enough to ride and would be no match for the greens' dragons in combat (though a young dragon would still deter enemies with no dragons, while fulfilling the promise to Jeyne). Prince Joffrey was accompanied by Lady [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]], one of Daemon's twin daughters and his first cousin,{{Ref|FAB|15}} and Jeyne made Rhaena her [[Fosterage|ward]].{{Ref|FAB|16}} Rhaena brought with her three [[dragon egg]]s, and prayed nightly for their hatching.{{Ref|FAB|15}}

While the Vale ultimately suffered no direct attacks in the war, Jeyne sent forces by sea by way of Gulltown to join the queen's hosts at [[King's Landing]] after the [[Fall of King's Landing|fall of the city]].{{Ref|FAB|16}}

Following the [[Riot of King's Landing (Dance of the Dragons)|riot of King's Landing]] and the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]], Rhaenyra [[Flight to Dragonstone|fled]] the capital for [[Duskendale]]. Lady Jeyne sent a message of support from her [[Seasons|winter]] castle, the [[Gates of the Moon]], but since the passes of the [[Mountains of the Moon]] were closed by snow, her army would have to come by sea. If Rhaenyra were to send transport [[ship]]s to Gulltown, or [[gold]] to hire ships, Jeyne was willing to send her troops; unfortunately, the queen lacked both ships and gold. After Rhaenyra had to leave Duskendale, Ser [[Harrold Darke]] of the [[Queensguard]] urged her to seek refuge with Lady Jeyne in the Vale. Rhaenyra, however, was determined to return to [[Dragonstone]], and refused his council. The queen was eventually killed by King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s dragon [[Sunfyre]] on the island in the 10th moon of {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|17}}

The remaining blacks refused to surrender: the black army defeated the last of the green army at the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]], and a new host of [[Northmen]] was marching south led by Lord [[Cregan Stark]]. Lady Arryn assembled a host of eight thousand [[men-at-arms]] and fifteen hundred [[knights]] in opposition to King Aegon II, and sent envoys to [[Braavos]] to arrange for ships to bring them against [[King's Landing]]. In {{Date|131}}, one of Rhaena's dragon eggs hatched at the Eyrie, and she named the hatchling [[Morning]]. News of Morning's birth emboldened the blacks while greatly troubling the greens, because by that point in the war both sides had lost all their other dragons (save for three that had gone wild or missing). Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] feared that the blacks' possession of this new dragon at the Eyrie, even if it was still just a hatchling, would make the [[smallfolk]] see their side as more legitimate.{{Ref|FAB|18}}

King Aegon II was [[poison]]ed, and Rhaenyra's son, King [[Aegon III Targaryen]], came to the throne. Ten thousand men from the Vale, under the command of Lord [[Leowyn Corbray|Leowyn]] and Ser [[Corwyn Corbray]], eventually landed at [[Maidenpool]] and Duskendale, and were welcomed with feasts and flowers. Lady Jeyne, her ward Rhaena Targaryen, and Rhaena's dragon Morning, set sail from Gulltown, and they arrived in King's Landing during the [[Hour of the Wolf]], when Lord Cregan Stark controlled the city and did justice to Aegon II's killers. Lady Jeyne supported Rhaena and her sister, [[Baela Targaryen]], when they demanded to see their brother, Aegon III, who Cregan was keeping secluded. Mushroom credits Lady Jeyne among the women who brought peace at the end of the civil war.{{Ref|FAB|19}}

===Regency of Aegon III===
[[File:Jeyne Arryn and Jessamyn Redfort by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|right|350px|Jeyne and her "dear companion", [[Jessamyn Redfort]], by Riotarttherite ©]]
Following the conclusion of the civil war, Lady Jeyne served as one of the [[Regency of Aegon III|seven initial regents]] to [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s eldest surviving son, King [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. Jeyne returned to the [[Vale of Arryn]] in {{Date|132}} to deal with raiding [[Vale mountain clans|mountain clansmen]].{{Ref|FAB|20}} When the [[disease|epidemic]] called the [[Winter Fever]] ended in {{Date|133}}, Lord [[Manfryd Mooton]] wanted the other regents, including Jeyne, to convene to decide on the appointments and arrangements the king had made while the regents were ill and after the passing of his [[Hand of the King]], [[Tyland Lannister]]. However, Lord [[Unwin Peake]] declared that the former regents had given up their places on the council by departing King's Landing, made himself Hand, and reversed all of Aegon's decisions. When Lord Unwin [[betrothed]] Aegon to his daughter, [[Myrielle Peake|Myrielle]], Lady Jeyne was one of the many lords who disapproved, sending an angry note from the Vale.{{Ref|FAB|21}}

Jeyne died at age 40 in {{Date|134}} of a [[w:chest cold|chest cold]] while in the [[Motherhouse of Maris]] in [[Gulltown]]. The unmarried Maid of the Vale passed away in the arms of her "dear companion," [[Jessamyn Redfort]]. On her deathbed, Lady Jeyne dictated her last testament, naming as her heir her distant cousin and the [[Knight of the Bloody Gate]], Ser [[Joffrey Arryn]]. However, a [[Arryn Succession Conflict (134 AC)|conflict over her succession]] ensued upon her death, as Arnold's son Ser [[Eldric Arryn]], and [[Isembard Arryn]], head of the [[House Arryn of Gulltown|Gulltown Arryns]], tried to contest Lord Joffrey's inheritance. Though many lords of the Vale insisted that the [[laws]] of inheritance could not be put aside by "the whim of a dying woman", Ser [[Corwyn Corbray]], one of Aegon III's regents, ruled that Jeyne's will must prevail.{{Ref|FAB|23}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jeyne Arryn by sleazyjanet.png|thumb|right|350px|Jeyne Arryn, by sleazyjanet ©]]

{{Quote|Thrice have mine own kin sought to replace me. My cousin Ser [[Arnold Arryn|Arnold]] is wont to say that women are too soft to rule. I have him in one of my [[sky cell]]s, if you would like to ask him.{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|Your Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] used [[Rhea Royce|his first wife]] most cruelly, it is true... but notwithstanding [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|your mother’s]] poor
taste in consorts, she remains our rightful queen, and mine own blood besides, an [[House Arryn|Arryn]] on [[Aemma Arryn|her mother’s]] side.{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|In this world of men, we women must band together.{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|I have no fear of armies. Many and more have broken themselves against my [[Bloody Gate]], and the [[Eyrie]] is known to be impregnable. But you have [[dragon|descended on us from the sky]], as Queen [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]] once did during [[Aegon's Conquest|the Conquest]], and I was powerless to halt you. I mislike feeling powerless. Send me [[dragonriders]].{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|The great [[lord]]s would have given us another two years of war, it was the women who made the peace. [[Alysanne Blackwood|Black Aly]], the Maiden of the Vale, the [[Three Widows]], the [[Dragon Twins]], ’twas them who brought [[Dance of the Dragons|the bloodshed]] to an end, and not with [[sword]]s or [[poison]], but with [[raven]]s, words, and kisses.{{Ref|FAB|19}}|[[Mushroom]], in his ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom|Testimony]]''}}

==Family==
The exact relationship of Jeyne's father to his predecessor [[Rodrik Arryn]] is unknown, but he was probably Rodrik's eldest son from his first marriage. His second marriage, to [[Daella Targaryen (daughter of Jaehaerys I)|Daella Targaryen]], resulted in her dying giving birth to [[Aemma Arryn]], mother of Rhaenyra Targaryen. If true, this would make Aemma the half-sister to Jeyne's father, and thus make Jeyne the half-first cousin of Rhaenyra on her mother's side.
{{Arryn tree Aegon III}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Lord Arryn (father of Jeyne)|Lord Arryn]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lady of the Eyrie]] [[Defender of the Vale]] [[Warden of the East]]|years={{Date|97}}–{{Date|134}}|regent1=[[Yorbert Royce]]|years1={{Date|97}}–?}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Joffrey Arryn]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Lords of the Eyrie}}
{{Aegon III small council}}

[[Category:House Arryn]]
[[Category:94 AC births|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:134 AC deaths|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Blacks|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Characters from the Vale|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:LGBT+ characters|Arryn, Jeyne‎]]
[[Category:Lords of the Eyrie]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon III Targaryen's court|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Noblewomen|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Regents|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Ruling ladies|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Wardens of the East|Arryn, Jeyne]]

[[es:Jeyne Arryn]]
[[fr:Jeyne Arryn]]
[[pt:Jeyne Arryn]]
[[ru:Джейн Аррен]]
[[zh:简妮·艾林]]

Jeyne Arryn

2026-08-06T14:59:49Z

The Dragon Demands:

{{For|the first wife of Jon Arryn|Jeyne Royce}}
{{Infobox character
| firstname = Jeyne
| lastname = Arryn
| arms = Arryn
| title = Lady
| epithet = the Maiden of the Vale
| image = Jeyne_Arryn_by_dreamgirlindescansos.jpg
| image_caption = Jeyne Arryn, dreamgirlindescansos ©
| Alias = The Maiden of the Vale{{Ref|FAB|13}}
| Title = [[Lady of the Eyrie]]{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Defender of the Vale]]{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Warden of the East]]{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Regent|Lady Regent]]{{Ref|FAB|20}}
| Allegiance = [[House Arryn]] [[Blacks]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Valemen]]
| Father = Lord [[Lord Arryn (father of Jeyne)|Arryn]]
| Mother =
| Spouse =
| Lover = [[Jessamyn Redfort]]
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|94}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Jeyne Arryn|Jeyne Arryn]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death = the [[Motherhouse of Maris]] in [[Gulltown]]{{Ref|FAB|23}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|134}}{{Ref|FAB|23}}
| 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:Amanda Collin|Amanda Collin]]
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|Season 2]]
}}

'''Jeyne Arryn''', called '''the Maiden of the Vale''', was the Lady of the [[Eyrie]] and the head of [[House Arryn]] during the reign of kings [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]], [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]], [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]], and [[Aegon III Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|12}}{{Ref|FAB|13}}{{Ref|FAB|14}}

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Jeyne is portrayed by [[w:Amanda Collin|Amanda Collin]].

==Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Jeyne Arryn|l1=Images of Jeyne Arryn}}
Lady Jeyne fiercely defended her rights, despite some claiming that women were "too soft to rule". She had no fear of armies, but was concerned about potential [[dragon]] attacks on the [[Eyrie]]. She felt that she and her cousin, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], should band together as female rulers in a world of men, though she did not care for Rhaenyra's husband, [[Daemon Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|14}}

Lady Jeyne never married, thus receiving the title "the Maiden of the Vale". According to the scurrilous ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom|Testimony]]'' of the [[fool]] [[Mushroom]], Jeyne was a "highborn harlot" with a voracious appetite for men. In his ''[[The Reign of King Viserys, First of His Name, and the Dance of the Dragons That Came After|The Reign of King Viserys]]'', however, [[Septon]] [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] repeats the widespread rumor that Jeyne preferred the intimate companionship of other women, but goes on to say it was not true.{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Jessamyn Redfort]] was a "dear companion" of Jeyne.{{Ref|FAB|23}}

==History==
===Early Life===
Jeyne became Lady of the [[Eyrie]] in {{Date|97}} when she was three years old, after her [[Lord Arryn (father of Jeyne)|father]] and older brothers were killed at the hands of the [[Stone Crows]].{{Ref|FAB|14}} She did not attend the [[Great Council]] of {{Date|101}}. In her stead went Lord [[Yorbert Royce]], who served as [[Lord Protector of the Eyrie and the Vale of Arryn|Lord Protector]] and [[regent]] during Jeyne's minority.{{Ref|FAB|12}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|4|1}}

Jeyne's inheritance was twice contested by her cousin, Ser [[Arnold Arryn]]. Consequently, he was imprisoned in one of the [[sky cells]],{{Ref|FAB|14}}{{Ref|FAB|23}} while he and his descendants were disinherited from the Arryn line of succession by her last testament.{{Ref|FAB|23}} Jeyne would later say that "thrice" her own kin had tried to replace her, but it was also clearly stated that Arnold only rebelled against her twice;{{Ref|FAB|14}} possibly the third time was when she was initially named ruler of the Vale at only three years old, or when she [[coming of age|came of age]] in {{Date|110}}.

On the death of Lady [[Rhea Royce]] in {{Date|115}}, her husband Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] appealed to Lady Jeyne in the hopes of claiming [[Runestone]] for himself. Jeyne not only rejected his claim, but also warned him that his presence in the [[Vale of Arryn]] was unwelcome.{{Ref|FAB|12}}

===Dance of the Dragons===
[[File:Jeyne Arryn and Rhaena of Pentos by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|right|350px|Jeyne and her [[ward]], [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]], and Rhaena's [[dragon]], [[Morning]]. Illustrated by Riotarttherite ©]]
At the start of the [[Dance of the Dragons]] in the 3rd moon of {{Date|129}}, King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s [[green council]] decided to not seek support from Lady Jeyne, as they believed her rights might be called into question should those of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] be put aside.{{Ref|FAB|13}} As for Queen Rhaenyra's [[blacks|black party]], she sent her son, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]], north on his [[dragon]], [[Vermax]], to treat with the Lady of the Vale for her cause. According to [[Mushroom]], Lady Jeyne offered Jacaerys the allegiance of the [[Vale of Arryn]] if he could bring her to climax using his tongue. [[Grand Maester]] [[Munkun]]'s ''[[True Telling]]'' makes no such mention. He quotes Jeyne saying that despite her contempt for Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], Rhaenyra was an [[House Arryn|Arryn]] on her mother's side (through Rhaenyra's mother, [[Aemma Arryn]]), and women should band together. Lady Jeyne's only request was [[dragonrider]]s to protect the [[Eyrie]] from the [[greens]]' own dragons. After Jacaerys agreed, Lady Jeyne and her warriors knelt before the prince, bringing the Vale into the civil war on the side of the [[blacks]].{{Ref|FAB|14}}

Late in {{Date|129}}, Prince Jacaerys fulfilled his promise to Lady Jeyne, and sent his younger brother [[Joffrey Velaryon]] to fly to [[Gulltown]] with his young dragon [[Tyraxes]], to deter the [[greens]] from attacking the Vale. Munkun suggests Prince Jacaerys actually sent Joffrey to the Vale to keep him safe, as his young dragon was barely large enough to ride and would be no match for the greens' dragons in combat (though a young dragon would still deter enemies with no dragons, while fulfilling the promise to Jeyne). Prince Joffrey was accompanied by Lady [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]], one of Daemon's twin daughters and his first cousin,{{Ref|FAB|15}} and Jeyne made Rhaena her [[Fosterage|ward]].{{Ref|FAB|16}} Rhaena brought with her three [[dragon egg]]s, and prayed nightly for their hatching.{{Ref|FAB|15}}

While the Vale ultimately suffered no direct attacks in the war, Jeyne sent forces by sea by way of Gulltown to join the queen's hosts at [[King's Landing]] after the [[Fall of King's Landing|fall of the city]].{{Ref|FAB|16}}

Following the [[Riot of King's Landing (Dance of the Dragons)|riot of King's Landing]] and the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]], Rhaenyra [[Flight to Dragonstone|fled]] the capital for [[Duskendale]]. Lady Jeyne sent a message of support from her [[Seasons|winter]] castle, the [[Gates of the Moon]], but since the passes of the [[Mountains of the Moon]] were closed by snow, her army would have to come by sea. If Rhaenyra were to send transport [[ship]]s to Gulltown, or [[gold]] to hire ships, Jeyne was willing to send her troops; unfortunately, the queen lacked both ships and gold. After Rhaenyra had to leave Duskendale, Ser [[Harrold Darke]] of the [[Queensguard]] urged her to seek refuge with Lady Jeyne in the Vale. Rhaenyra, however, was determined to return to [[Dragonstone]], and refused his council. The queen was eventually killed by King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s dragon [[Sunfyre]] on the island in the 10th moon of {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|17}}

The remaining blacks refused to surrender: the black army defeated the last of the green army at the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]], and a new host of [[Northmen]] was marching south led by Lord [[Cregan Stark]]. Lady Arryn assembled a host of eight thousand [[men-at-arms]] and fifteen hundred [[knights]] in opposition to King Aegon II, and sent envoys to [[Braavos]] to arrange for ships to bring them against [[King's Landing]]. In {{Date|131}}, one of Rhaena's dragon eggs hatched at the Eyrie, and she named the hatchling [[Morning]]. News of Morning's birth emboldened the blacks while greatly troubling the greens, because by that point in the war both sides had lost all their other dragons (save for three that had gone wild or missing). Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] feared that the blacks' possession of this new dragon at the Eyrie, even if it was still just a hatchling, would make the [[smallfolk]] see their side as more legitimate.{{Ref|FAB|18}}

King Aegon II was [[poison]]ed, and Rhaenyra's son, King [[Aegon III Targaryen]], came to the throne. Ten thousand men from the Vale, under the command of Lord [[Leowyn Corbray|Leowyn]] and Ser [[Corwyn Corbray]], eventually landed at [[Maidenpool]] and Duskendale, and were welcomed with feasts and flowers. Lady Jeyne, her ward Rhaena Targaryen, and Rhaena's dragon Morning, set sail from Gulltown, and they arrived in King's Landing during the [[Hour of the Wolf]], when Lord Cregan Stark controlled the city and did justice to Aegon II's killers. Lady Jeyne supported Rhaena and her sister, [[Baela Targaryen]], when they demanded to see their brother, Aegon III, who Cregan was keeping secluded. Mushroom credits Lady Jeyne among the women who brought peace at the end of the civil war.{{Ref|FAB|19}}

===Regency of Aegon III===
[[File:Jeyne Arryn and Jessamyn Redfort by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|right|350px|Jeyne and her "dear companion", [[Jessamyn Redfort]], by Riotarttherite ©]]
Following the conclusion of the civil war, Lady Jeyne served as one of the [[Regency of Aegon III|seven initial regents]] to [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s eldest surviving son, King [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. Jeyne returned to the [[Vale of Arryn]] in {{Date|132}} to deal with raiding [[Vale mountain clans|mountain clansmen]].{{Ref|FAB|20}} When the [[disease|epidemic]] called the [[Winter Fever]] ended in {{Date|133}}, Lord [[Manfryd Mooton]] wanted the other regents, including Jeyne, to convene to decide on the appointments and arrangements the king had made while the regents were ill and after the passing of his [[Hand of the King]], [[Tyland Lannister]]. However, Lord [[Unwin Peake]] declared that the former regents had given up their places on the council by departing King's Landing, made himself Hand, and reversed all of Aegon's decisions. When Lord Unwin [[betrothed]] Aegon to his daughter, [[Myrielle Peake|Myrielle]], Lady Jeyne was one of the many lords who disapproved, sending an angry note from the Vale.{{Ref|FAB|21}}

Jeyne died at age 40 in {{Date|134}} of a [[w:chest cold|chest cold]] while in the [[Motherhouse of Maris]] in [[Gulltown]]. The unmarried Maid of the Vale passed away in the arms of her "dear companion," [[Jessamyn Redfort]]. On her deathbed, Lady Jeyne dictated her last testament, naming as her heir her distant cousin and the [[Knight of the Bloody Gate]], Ser [[Joffrey Arryn]]. However, a [[Arryn Succession Conflict (134 AC)|conflict over her succession]] ensued upon her death, as Arnold's son Ser [[Eldric Arryn]], and [[Isembard Arryn]], head of the [[House Arryn of Gulltown|Gulltown Arryns]], tried to contest Lord Joffrey's inheritance. Though many lords of the Vale insisted that the [[laws]] of inheritance could not be put aside by "the whim of a dying woman", Ser [[Corwyn Corbray]], one of Aegon III's regents, ruled that Jeyne's will must prevail.{{Ref|FAB|23}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jeyne Arryn by sleazyjanet.png|thumb|right|350px|Jeyne Arryn, by sleazyjanet ©]]

{{Quote|Thrice have mine own kin sought to replace me. My cousin Ser [[Arnold Arryn|Arnold]] is wont to say that women are too soft to rule. I have him in one of my [[sky cell]]s, if you would like to ask him.{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|Your Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] used [[Rhea Royce|his first wife]] most cruelly, it is true... but notwithstanding [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|your mother’s]] poor
taste in consorts, she remains our rightful queen, and mine own blood besides, an [[House Arryn|Arryn]] on [[Aemma Arryn|her mother’s]] side.{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|In this world of men, we women must band together.{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|I have no fear of armies. Many and more have broken themselves against my [[Bloody Gate]], and the [[Eyrie]] is known to be impregnable. But you have [[dragon|descended on us from the sky]], as Queen [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]] once did during [[Aegon's Conquest|the Conquest]], and I was powerless to halt you. I mislike feeling powerless. Send me [[dragonriders]].{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|The great [[lord]]s would have given us another two years of war, it was the women who made the peace. [[Alysanne Blackwood|Black Aly]], the Maiden of the Vale, the [[Three Widows]], the [[Dragon Twins]], ’twas them who brought [[Dance of the Dragons|the bloodshed]] to an end, and not with [[sword]]s or [[poison]], but with [[raven]]s, words, and kisses.{{Ref|FAB|19}}|[[Mushroom]], in his ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom|Testimony]]''}}

==Family==
The exact relationship of Jeyne's father to his predecessor [[Rodrik Arryn]] is unknown, but he was probably Rodrik's eldest son from his first marriage. His second marriage, to [[Daella Targaryen (daughter of Jaehaerys I)|Daella Targaryen]], resulted in her dying giving birth to [[Aemma Arryn]], mother of Rhaenyra Targaryen. If true, this would make Aemma the half-sister to Jeyne's father, and thus make Jeyne the half-first cousin of Rhaenyra on her mother's side.
{{Arryn tree Aegon III}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Lord Arryn (father of Jeyne)|Lord Arryn]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lady of the Eyrie]] [[Defender of the Vale]] [[Warden of the East]]|years={{Date|97}}–{{Date|134}}|regent1=[[Yorbert Royce]]|years1={{Date|97}}–?}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Joffrey Arryn]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Lords of the Eyrie}}
{{Aegon III small council}}

[[Category:House Arryn]]
[[Category:94 AC births|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:134 AC deaths|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Blacks|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Characters from the Vale|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:LGBT+ characters|Arryn, Jeyne‎]]
[[Category:Lords of the Eyrie]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon III Targaryen's court|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Noblewomen|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Regents|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Ruling ladies|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Wardens of the East|Arryn, Jeyne]]

[[es:Jeyne Arryn]]
[[fr:Jeyne Arryn]]
[[pt:Jeyne Arryn]]
[[ru:Джейн Аррен]]
[[zh:简妮·艾林]]

Jeyne Arryn

2026-08-06T14:59:05Z

The Dragon Demands:

{{For|the first wife of Jon Arryn|Jeyne Royce}}
{{Infobox character
| firstname = Jeyne
| lastname = Arryn
| arms = Arryn
| title = Lady
| epithet = the Maiden of the Vale
| image = Jeyne_Arryn_by_dreamgirlindescansos.jpg
| image_caption = Jeyne Arryn, dreamgirlindescansos ©
| Alias = The Maiden of the Vale{{Ref|FAB|13}}
| Title = [[Lady of the Eyrie]]{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Defender of the Vale]]{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Warden of the East]]{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Regent|Lady Regent]]{{Ref|FAB|20}}
| Allegiance = [[House Arryn]] [[Blacks]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Valemen]]
| Father = Lord [[Lord Arryn (father of Jeyne)|Arryn]]
| Mother =
| Spouse =
| Lover = [[Jessamyn Redfort]]
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|94}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Jeyne Arryn|Jeyne Arryn]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death = the [[Motherhouse of Maris]] in [[Gulltown]]{{Ref|FAB|23}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|134}}{{Ref|FAB|23}}
| 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:Amanda Collin|Amanda Collin]]
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|Season 2]]
}}

'''Jeyne Arryn''', called '''the Maiden of the Vale''', was the Lady of the [[Eyrie]] and the head of [[House Arryn]] during the reign of kings [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]], [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]], [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]], and [[Aegon III Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|12}}{{Ref|FAB|13}}{{Ref|FAB|14}}

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Jeyne is portrayed by [[w:Amanda Collin|Amanda Collin]].

==Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Jeyne Arryn|l1=Images of Jeyne Arryn}}
Lady Jeyne fiercely defended her rights, despite some claiming that women were "too soft to rule". She had no fear of armies, but was concerned about potential [[dragon]] attacks on the [[Eyrie]]. She felt that she and her cousin, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], should band together as female rulers in a world of men, though she did not care for Rhaenyra's husband, [[Daemon Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|14}}

Lady Jeyne never married, thus receiving the title "the Maiden of the Vale". According to the scurrilous ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom|Testimony]]'' of the [[fool]] [[Mushroom]], Jeyne was a "highborn harlot" with a voracious appetite for men. In his ''[[The Reign of King Viserys, First of His Name, and the Dance of the Dragons That Came After|The Reign of King Viserys]]'', however, [[Septon]] [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] repeats the widespread rumor that Jeyne preferred the intimate companionship of other women, but goes on to say it was not true.{{Ref|FAB|14}} [[Jessamyn Redfort]] was a "dear companion" of Jeyne.{{Ref|FAB|23}}

==History==
===Early Life===
Jeyne became Lady of the [[Eyrie]] in {{Date|97}} when she was three years old, after her [[Lord Arryn (father of Jeyne)|father]] and older brothers were killed at the hands of the [[Stone Crows]].{{Ref|FAB|14}} She did not attend the [[Great Council]] of {{Date|101}}. In her stead went Lord [[Yorbert Royce]], who served as [[Lord Protector of the Eyrie and the Vale of Arryn|Lord Protector]] and [[regent]] during Jeyne's minority.{{Ref|FAB|12}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|4|1}}

Jeyne's inheritance was twice contested by her cousin, Ser [[Arnold Arryn]]. Consequently, he was imprisoned in one of the [[sky cells]],{{Ref|FAB|14}}{{Ref|FAB|23}} while he and his descendants were disinherited from the Arryn line of succession by her last testament.{{Ref|FAB|23}} Jeyne would later say that "thrice" her own kin had tried to replace her, but it was also clearly stated that Arnold only rebelled against her twice;{{Ref|FAB|14}} possibly the third time was when she was initially named ruler of the Vale at only three years old, or when she [[coming of age|came of age]] in {{Date|110}}.

On the death of Lady [[Rhea Royce]] in {{Date|115}}, her husband Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] appealed to Lady Jeyne in the hopes of claiming [[Runestone]] for himself. Jeyne not only rejected his claim, but also warned him that his presence in the [[Vale of Arryn]] was unwelcome.{{Ref|FAB|12}}

===Dance of the Dragons===
[[File:Jeyne Arryn and Rhaena of Pentos by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|right|350px|Jeyne and her [[ward]], [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]], and Rhaena's [[dragon]], [[Morning]]. Illustrated by Riotarttherite ©]]
At the start of the [[Dance of the Dragons]] in the 3rd moon of {{Date|129}}, King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s [[green council]] decided to not seek support from Lady Jeyne, as they believed her rights might be called into question should those of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] be put aside.{{Ref|FAB|13}} As for Queen Rhaenyra's [[blacks|black party]], she sent her son, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]], north on his [[dragon]], [[Vermax]], to treat with the Lady of the Vale for her cause. According to [[Mushroom]], Lady Jeyne offered Jacaerys the allegiance of the [[Vale of Arryn]] if he could bring her to climax using his tongue. [[Grand Maester]] [[Munkun]]'s ''[[True Telling]]'' makes no such mention. He quotes Jeyne saying that despite her contempt for Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], Rhaenyra was an [[House Arryn|Arryn]] on her mother's side (through Rhaenyra's mother, [[Aemma Arryn]]), and women should band together. Lady Jeyne's only request was [[dragonrider]]s to protect the [[Eyrie]] from the [[greens]]' own dragons. After Jacaerys agreed, Lady Jeyne and her warriors knelt before the prince, bringing the Vale into the civil war on the side of the [[blacks]].{{Ref|FAB|14}}

Late in {{Date|129}}, Prince Jacaerys fulfilled his promise to Lady Jeyne, and sent his younger brother [[Joffrey Velaryon]] to fly to [[Gulltown]] with his young dragon [[Tyraxes]], to deter the [[greens]] from attacking the Vale. Munkun suggests Prince Jacaerys actually sent Joffrey to the Vale to keep him safe, as his young dragon was barely large enough to ride and would be no match for the greens' dragons in combat (though a young dragon would still deter enemies with no dragons, while fulfilling the promise to Jeyne). Prince Joffrey was accompanied by Lady [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]], one of Daemon's twin daughters and his first cousin,{{Ref|FAB|15}} and Jeyne made Rhaena her [[Fosterage|ward]].{{Ref|FAB|16}} Rhaena brought with her three [[dragon egg]]s, and prayed nightly for their hatching.{{Ref|FAB|15}}

While the Vale ultimately suffered no direct attacks in the war, Jeyne sent forces by sea by way of Gulltown to join the queen's hosts at [[King's Landing]] after the [[Fall of King's Landing|fall of the city]].{{Ref|FAB|16}}

Following the [[Riot of King's Landing (Dance of the Dragons)|riot of King's Landing]] and the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]], Rhaenyra [[Flight to Dragonstone|fled]] the capital for [[Duskendale]]. Lady Jeyne sent a message of support from her [[Seasons|winter]] castle, the [[Gates of the Moon]], but since the passes of the [[Mountains of the Moon]] were closed by snow, her army would have to come by sea. If Rhaenyra were to send transport [[ship]]s to Gulltown, or [[gold]] to hire ships, Jeyne was willing to send her troops; unfortunately, the queen lacked both ships and gold. After Rhaenyra had to leave Duskendale, Ser [[Harrold Darke]] of the [[Queensguard]] urged her to seek refuge with Lady Jeyne in the Vale. Rhaenyra, however, was determined to return to [[Dragonstone]], and refused his council. The queen was eventually killed by King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s dragon [[Sunfyre]] on the island in the 10th moon of {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|17}}

The remaining blacks refused to surrender: the black army defeated the last of the green army at the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]], and a new host of [[Northmen]] was marching south led by Lord [[Cregan Stark]]. Lady Arryn assembled a host of eight thousand [[men-at-arms]] and fifteen hundred [[knights]] in opposition to King Aegon II, and sent envoys to [[Braavos]] to arrange for ships to bring them against [[King's Landing]]. In {{Date|131}}, one of Rhaena's dragon eggs hatched at the Eyrie, and she named the hatchling [[Morning]]. News of Morning's birth emboldened the blacks while greatly troubling the greens, because by that point in the war both sides had lost all their other dragons (save for three that had gone wild or missing). Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] feared that the blacks' possession of this new dragon at the Eyrie, even if it was still just a hatchling, would make the [[smallfolk]] see their side as more legitimate.{{Ref|FAB|18}}

King Aegon II was [[poison]]ed, and Rhaenyra's son, King [[Aegon III Targaryen]], came to the throne. Ten thousand men from the Vale, under the command of Lord [[Leowyn Corbray|Leowyn]] and Ser [[Corwyn Corbray]], eventually landed at [[Maidenpool]] and Duskendale, and were welcomed with feasts and flowers. Lady Jeyne, her ward Rhaena Targaryen, and Rhaena's dragon Morning, set sail from Gulltown, and they arrived in King's Landing during the [[Hour of the Wolf]], when Lord Cregan Stark controlled the city and did justice to Aegon II's killers. Lady Jeyne supported Rhaena and her sister, [[Baela Targaryen]], when they demanded to see their brother, Aegon III, who Cregan was keeping secluded. Mushroom credits Lady Jeyne among the women who brought peace at the end of the civil war.{{Ref|FAB|19}}

===Regency of Aegon III===
[[File:Jeyne Arryn and Jessamyn Redfort by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|right|350px|Jeyne and her "dear companion", [[Jessamyn Redfort]], by Riotarttherite ©]]
Following the conclusion of the civil war, Lady Jeyne served as one of the [[Regency of Aegon III|seven initial regents]] to [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s eldest surviving son, King [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. Jeyne returned to the [[Vale of Arryn]] in {{Date|132}} to deal with raiding [[Vale mountain clans|mountain clansmen]].{{Ref|FAB|20}} When the [[disease|epidemic]] called the [[Winter Fever]] ended in {{Date|133}}, Lord [[Manfryd Mooton]] wanted the other regents, including Jeyne, to convene to decide on the appointments and arrangements the king had made while the regents were ill and after the passing of his [[Hand of the King]], [[Tyland Lannister]]. However, Lord [[Unwin Peake]] declared that the former regents had given up their places on the council by departing King's Landing, made himself Hand, and reversed all of Aegon's decisions. When Lord Unwin [[betrothed]] Aegon to his daughter, [[Myrielle Peake|Myrielle]], Lady Jeyne was one of the many lords who disapproved, sending an angry note from the Vale.{{Ref|FAB|21}}

Jeyne died at age 40 in {{Date|134}} of a [[w:chest cold|chest cold]] while in the [[Motherhouse of Maris]] in [[Gulltown]]. The unmarried Maid of the Vale passed away in the arms of her "dear companion," [[Jessamyn Redfort]]. On her deathbed, Lady Jeyne dictated her last testament, naming as her heir her distant cousin and the [[Knight of the Bloody Gate]], Ser [[Joffrey Arryn]]. However, a [[Arryn Succession Conflict (134 AC)|conflict over her succession]] ensued upon her death, as Arnold's son Ser [[Eldric Arryn]], and [[Isembard Arryn]], head of the [[House Arryn of Gulltown|Gulltown Arryns]], tried to contest Lord Joffrey's inheritance. Though many lords of the Vale insisted that the [[laws]] of inheritance could not be put aside by "the whim of a dying woman", Ser [[Corwyn Corbray]], one of Aegon III's regents, ruled that Jeyne's will must prevail.{{Ref|FAB|23}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jeyne Arryn by sleazyjanet.png|thumb|right|350px|Jeyne Arryn, by sleazyjanet]]

{{Quote|Thrice have mine own kin sought to replace me. My cousin Ser [[Arnold Arryn|Arnold]] is wont to say that women are too soft to rule. I have him in one of my [[sky cell]]s, if you would like to ask him.{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|Your Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] used [[Rhea Royce|his first wife]] most cruelly, it is true... but notwithstanding [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|your mother’s]] poor
taste in consorts, she remains our rightful queen, and mine own blood besides, an [[House Arryn|Arryn]] on [[Aemma Arryn|her mother’s]] side.{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|In this world of men, we women must band together.{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|I have no fear of armies. Many and more have broken themselves against my [[Bloody Gate]], and the [[Eyrie]] is known to be impregnable. But you have [[dragon|descended on us from the sky]], as Queen [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]] once did during [[Aegon's Conquest|the Conquest]], and I was powerless to halt you. I mislike feeling powerless. Send me [[dragonriders]].{{Ref|FAB|14}}|Jeyne, to [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|The great [[lord]]s would have given us another two years of war, it was the women who made the peace. [[Alysanne Blackwood|Black Aly]], the Maiden of the Vale, the [[Three Widows]], the [[Dragon Twins]], ’twas them who brought [[Dance of the Dragons|the bloodshed]] to an end, and not with [[sword]]s or [[poison]], but with [[raven]]s, words, and kisses.{{Ref|FAB|19}}|[[Mushroom]], in his ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom|Testimony]]''}}

==Family==
The exact relationship of Jeyne's father to his predecessor [[Rodrik Arryn]] is unknown, but he was probably Rodrik's eldest son from his first marriage. His second marriage, to [[Daella Targaryen (daughter of Jaehaerys I)|Daella Targaryen]], resulted in her dying giving birth to [[Aemma Arryn]], mother of Rhaenyra Targaryen. If true, this would make Aemma the half-sister to Jeyne's father, and thus make Jeyne the half-first cousin of Rhaenyra on her mother's side.
{{Arryn tree Aegon III}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Lord Arryn (father of Jeyne)|Lord Arryn]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lady of the Eyrie]] [[Defender of the Vale]] [[Warden of the East]]|years={{Date|97}}–{{Date|134}}|regent1=[[Yorbert Royce]]|years1={{Date|97}}–?}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Joffrey Arryn]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Lords of the Eyrie}}
{{Aegon III small council}}

[[Category:House Arryn]]
[[Category:94 AC births|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:134 AC deaths|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Blacks|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Characters from the Vale|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:LGBT+ characters|Arryn, Jeyne‎]]
[[Category:Lords of the Eyrie]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon III Targaryen's court|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Noblewomen|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Regents|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Ruling ladies|Arryn, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Wardens of the East|Arryn, Jeyne]]

[[es:Jeyne Arryn]]
[[fr:Jeyne Arryn]]
[[pt:Jeyne Arryn]]
[[ru:Джейн Аррен]]
[[zh:简妮·艾林]]

Currency

2026-08-03T00:22:11Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Trivia */

[[File:Jaehaerys-golden-dragon-SPM.jpg|thumb|300px|Depiction of a gold dragon of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], by Tom Maringer © Shire Post Mint]]
[[File:Currency westeros1.jpg|thumb|300px|Depiction of a silver stag of King [[Aegon I Targaryen]], by Tom Maringer © Shire Post Mint]]

'''Currency''' is a system of money in a form used a medium of exchange.<ref>[[w:Currency|Wikipedia: Currency]]</ref> Most societies use currency in the form of coins made from precious metals such as [[gold]], [[silver]], or [[copper]]. (A notable exception is the [[iron]] coins used in [[Braavos]].){{Ref|ADWD|64}} Coins are used by merchants, [[nobility|nobles]], and also [[smallfolk]].{{Ref|THK}} The poorest of the smallfolk, or those without access to currency, may resort to barter instead.{{Ref|AGOT|65}}{{Ref|SSM|1081}}

Thus far, no society in the [[known world]] has been described as using paper currency (though the currency of every region has not been described in detail). Contracts written on parchment or paper can be accepted as payment, though these are not "currency" as such: for example, the [[brotherhood without banners]] gives notes in exchange for the goods and coins they take, which are promises to pay back the holder after the [[War of the Five Kings]] ends.{{ref|ASOS|39}} Similarly, [[Tyrion Lannister]] draws up contracts promising to pay the [[Second Sons]] with gold from [[Casterly Rock]] in return for their aid in restoring him to his [[lord]]ship of the castle.{{Ref|aDwD|66}}

[[George R. R. Martin]] has compared the Westerosi coinage to medieval coinage, saying that "Westerosi coinage is probably more complex than actual British medieval coinage", despite some similarities.{{Ref|SSM|1243}}

==Westeros==
===The Seven Kingdoms===
[[File:Gardener coins SPM.jpg|thumb|300px|Depiction of the gold coins of [[House Gardener]], by Tom Maringer © Shire Post Mint]]
[[File:Currency westeros3.jpg|thumb|300px|Depiction of a silver stag of King [[Aerys II Targaryen]], by Tom Maringer © Shire Post Mint]]
[[File:Currency westeros2.jpg|thumb|300px|Depiction of a copper star of King [[Robert I Baratheon]], by Tom Maringer © Shire Post Mint It was initially designed as a copper penny, but [[George R. R. Martin]] felt the coin was too large and heavy for a penny, and changed it to a star.{{Ref|SSM|1243}}]]
The current currency system of Westeros was established shortly after the unification of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] following [[Aegon's Conquest]].{{Ref|FAB|4}} It was used through the whole [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] dynasty,{{Ref|THK}} and continued after [[Robert's Rebellion]]. In order from high to low value, respectively, these are golden dragons,{{Ref|AGOT|27}} silver stags,{{Ref|AGOT|14}} and copper stars,{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} pennies,{{Ref|ACOK|26}} half-pennies,{{Ref|AFFC|20}} and groats.{{Ref|AFFC|12}} Golden dragons bear the face of the king in whose time they were minted, as well as his name.{{ref|thk}}{{ref|tmk}} The other side of the gold coin displays the three-headed Targaryen [[dragon]] [[sigil]]. Silver stags have the king's head on one side, a [[stag]] on the other.{{Ref|AFFC|14}} According to a semi-canon source, copper stars bear the face of the king on one side, and on the other, the seven-pointed star of the [[Faith of the Seven]].<ref name="star">Shire Post Mint: [https://www.shirepost.com/products/robert-star Robert Baratheon Star]</ref>

Prior to Aegon's Conquest, each of the Seven Kingdoms had their own coinage minted by their respective kings.{{Ref|SSM|1243}} The [[Kingdom of the Reach]] had gold coins known as "hands", which featured the hand-shaped sigil of [[House Gardener]] on one side, and the face of a king on the other. Gold hand coins are smaller and thinner than gold dragons, roughly half their weight and value.{{Ref|aFfC|7}}{{Ref|aFfC|16}} According to a semi-canon source, some of the Seven Kingdoms' coins were co-opted by the Targaryens as denominations within their new unified currency system. Silver stags were used in the [[Kingdom of the Storm]], and the silver moon, larger than the stag, was used in the [[Vale of Arryn]].<ref>Westeros.org: [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/157173-westeros-coin-silver-stags/&tab=comments#comment-8536979 Westeros coin "Silver Stags"] (June 18 2020).</ref> Another semi-canon source, the licensed Shire Post Mint, created a silver moon of King [[Tommen II Lannister]] of the [[Westerlands]].<ref name="moon">Shire Post Mint: [https://www.shirepost.com/collections/a-game-of-thrones-coins/products/tommen-moon Tommen II Lannister Silver Moon]</ref>

Golden dragons are more frequently used by rich merchants and noble lords and ladies, whereas [[smallfolk]], who do not have such riches, tend to exchange copper and silver coins, or use barter.{{Ref|THK}} Coins can be debased by clipping or shaving.{{Ref|THK}}{{Ref|TMK}} In an exchange, if a someone notices the gold dragon they receive has been shaved, another few silvers and a fistful of coppers can make up for the lost weight.{{Ref|THK}}

The king's coinage is one of the most visible manifestations of royal authority. The [[master of coin]] oversees the minting of coins, exchange rates, and like matters.{{ref|ACOK|17}}{{Ref|ASOS|62}} King [[Viserys II Targaryen]] introduced a new royal mint during his reign.{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|10}} During the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]], [[Daemon I Blackfyre]] had his own coins minted, depicting his own face on one side, and a three-headed dragon on the other.{{ref|TMK}} The officers of three mints were appointed by the master of coin, [[Petyr Baelish]].{{ref|ACOK|17}} [[White Harbor]] in the [[north]] contains the [[Old Mint]].{{ref|ADWD|15}} During the [[War of the Five Kings]], Lord [[Wyman Manderly]] suggests his seat of White Harbor as a location where King [[Robb Stark]] could mint his own coinage.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

The [[Bank of Oldtown]] was founded in {{Date|136}} by [[House Hightower]].{{Ref|FAB|23}} During the reign of King [[Aerys I Targaryen]], it was [[treason]] to own a Blackfyre gold dragon coin, and twice as treasonous to pass it to another, but someone who acquired one could melt it down to recover the gold.{{ref|TMK}}

====Denominations====
Specific exchange rates between each denomination of Westerosi currency have not yet been mentioned in any of the canon works of ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]''. Green Ronin's ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire Roleplaying]]'' game, which contains some canon material but did not receive information directly from George R.R. Martin,<ref>Westeros.org: [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/34958-the-asoiaf-wiki-thread/&do=findComment&comment=8453392 The ASOIAF wiki thread] (November 23, 2019)</ref> listed the relative values of the coins per the following table.{{Ref|rpg|greenronin}} The values are somewhat supported by statements by Shire Post Mint, which did receive information from Martin and is considered "semi-canon".<ref>Shire Post Mint: [https://www.shirepost.com/products/aerys-stag Aerys II Targaryen Silver Stag]</ref><ref name="star" /><ref name="moon" /> The RPG cautions to use these values as a rule of thumb, because exchange rates between different metals might vary over time.{{Ref|rpg|greenronin}}

{| class="wikitable defaultright col1left"
! colspan= "2" style="text-align: center;" | Coins
! style="min-width: 60px;" | Dragon
! style="min-width: 60px;" | Moon
! style="min-width: 60px;" | Stag
! style="min-width: 60px;" | Star
! style="min-width: 60px;" | Groat
! style="min-width: 60px;" | Halfgroat
! style="min-width: 60px;" | Penny
|- style="height:24px;
| rowspan="1" | '''Golden coins'''
| style="text-align: left;" | '''Dragon'''
|1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" | '''Silver coins'''
| style="text-align: left;" | '''Moon'''
|30
|1
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| '''Stag'''
|210
|7
|1
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan="5"| '''Copper coins'''
| style="text-align: left;" | '''Star'''
|1470
|49
|7
|1
|
|
|
|-
| '''Groat'''
|2940
|98
|14
|2
|1
|
|
|-
| '''Halfgroat'''
|5880
|196
|28
|4
|2
|1
|
|-
| '''Penny'''
|11760
|392
|56
|8
|4
|2
|1
|-
| '''Halfpenny'''
|23520
|784
|112
|16
|8
|4
|2
|}

The one time that any of these exchange rates was ever somewhat confirmed in the books was in ''[[The Hedge Knight]]'', when [[Duncan the Tall]] sold a [[horse]] for the price of 750 silver stags, and was paid in the form of 3 gold dragons, the rest in silvers (3 x 210 = 630, but 4 x 210 = 840).

Also note that a copper star, which bears the Seven-Pointed Star, is not named such because it is worth seven regular copper pennies, but because it is one seventh of a silver stag. 56 divided by 7 is 8, thus a copper star is worth eight copper pennies.

====Examples of currency values====
The relative value of the gold dragon coin and its denominations has changed over time, due to various economic fluctuations of inflation and deflation (e.g., war-time versus times of peace, failed harvests, etc.). For example, when [[House Tyrell]] had cut off the food supply to [[King's Landing]] from the [[Reach]] during the [[War of the Five Kings]], food prices in the city rose steeply.{{Ref|ACOK|17}} Another example is that in {{Date|209}}, a time of peace and plenty, Duncan the Tall received more than three gold dragons for his [[palfrey]], but during the War of the Five Kings, both [[Brienne of Tarth]]{{Ref|ASOS|11}} and [[Tom of Sevenstreams]]{{Ref|ASOS|13}} consider one gold dragon to be a fair price for a horse in the war-struck [[riverlands]].

'''During the Targaryen Dynasty:'''
* King [[Maegor I Targaryen]], during his war against the [[Faith of the Seven]], paid one golden dragon for the head of any unrepentant [[Warrior's Son]], and a silver stag for the scalp of a [[Poor Fellow]].{{Ref|AFFC|33}}{{Ref|FAB|4}}
*At the beginning of his reign, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] introduced luxury taxes on foreign [[spices]] and [[silk]]s, to address the crown's debt after Maegor's wars. Jaehaerys noted that no man could say they were oppressive, as to avoid them all he had to do was forgo these non-essential luxuries, and thus "he need not pay a groat". This indicates that the "groat" denomination was being used at least as early as this point.{{ref|FAB|8}}
* In {{date|120}}, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] offered a reward of 10,000 gold dragons to any man who could lead him to Ser [[Qarl Correy]], who had killed Corlys's heir, [[Laenor Velaryon]], in a quarrel.{{Ref|FAB|12}}
* At the time of ''[[The Hedge Knight]]'' ({{Date|209}}), a plain yet complete set of good [[steel]] [[armor]], with greaves, gorget, and greathelm, could cost eight hundred stags, which equals almost four golden dragons.
* In {{Date|209}}, Duncan the Tall sold his palfrey [[Sweetfoot]] to [[Henly (House Ashford)|Henly]] for 750 silver stags, and was paid in the form of three gold dragons, the rest in silvers.{{Ref|THK}}
* In {{Date|209}}, a smallfolk man could live well for a year on three gold dragons.{{Ref|THK}}
* In {{Date|212}}, a tent could be bought for 10 pennies.{{Ref|TMK}}<ref group="N">[[Duncan the Tall]] initially had 2 stags, which equals 112 pennies according to the ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire Roleplaying]]'' game by Green Ronin. After Duncan has bought his tent, he only has twenty two pennies, three stars and one stag, which together equal 102 pennies. This count assumes that currency rates as given in the RPG has not changed since the reign of [[Aerys I Targaryen]].</ref>
* During the [[wedding tourney at Whitewalls]] in {{Date|212}}, only 30 dragons were promised for whoever came in second.{{Ref|TMK}}

'''Recent Events:'''
* At the beginning of ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'', the [[Iron Throne]] is more than six million dragons in debt,{{Ref|aGoT|20}} which represents a colossal sum. The biggest part of this debt, three million dragons, is owed to [[House Lannister]], the rest to [[Mace Tyrell]], the [[Iron Bank of Braavos]], several [[Tyrosh]]i trading cartels, and to the [[Faith of the Seven]]. By {{Date|300}} the Crown’s debt to the Faith was established to be a total of 900,674 golden dragons.{{Ref|AFFC|28}}
* King [[Robert I Baratheon]] is a prodigious spender, and sets the rewards for the [[Hand's tourney]] in {{Date|298}} at 40,000 golden dragons to the winner of the [[joust]], 20,000 golden dragons to the runner-up, 20,000 dragons to the winner of the [[melee]], and 10,000 dragons to the winner of the [[archer]]y competition.{{Ref|aGoT|20}} These prizes are exceptionally high, due to Robert's generous nature.{{Ref|SSM|1036}}
* Right at the end of Robert's reign, as [[Arya Stark]] goes to view what ultimately becomes [[Eddard Stark|her father's]] public execution, she passes a street vendor who is selling fresh-baked fruit-filled tarts for three copper pennies each.{{Ref|aGoT|65}}
* During the [[War of the Five Kings]], prices soar in the capital, [[King's Landing]]. Six coppers for a melon, a silver stag for a bushel of corn, and a gold dragon for a side of beef or six skinny piglets are all shockingly high prices.{{Ref|ASOS|32}}
* The [[Lys]]ene [[pirate]] [[Salladhor Saan]], who has two dozen [[ship]]s under his command, demands thirty thousand gold dragons a month for his service as a [[sellsail]] to [[Stannis Baratheon]].{{Ref|ACOK|10}}
* [[Edmure Tully]] promises one thousand gold dragons to whoever would capture [[Jaime Lannister]], after Jaime escapes from captivity in [[Riverrun]].{{Ref|ASOS|37}}
* Three hundred gold dragons represent a formidable ransom for a [[knight]], even if he belongs to a large noble house,{{Ref|aSoS|44}} while 100 gold dragons represent a reasonable ransom for a younger son of a noble family.{{Ref|ASOS|81}}
* According to [[Chett]], [[Westeros]]i [[maester]]s paid a penny for twelve leeches before he came to the [[Wall]].{{Ref|asos|prologue}}
* In {{Date|300}}, the [[maidenhead]] of a serving girl, [[Rosey]], is priced at one dragon.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}}
* Also in {{Date|300}}, a baker who mixes sawdust into his flour might be fined fifty silver stags.{{Ref|AFFC|14}}

===The Iron Islands===
Among the [[ironborn]] culture, while women are allowed to buy ornaments with coin, a warrior does not, but only takes [[jewelry]] off the corpses of the enemies he has slain. It is called paying "the [[iron price]]", whereas paying with coin is called paying "the gold price".{{Ref|ACOK|11}} Even acquiring such items as food and water through paying the gold price is considered shameful.{{Ref|ADWD|56}}

===Beyond the Wall===
The lands [[Beyond the Wall|north of The Wall]] are harsh lands, and the [[free folk]] inhabiting those lands usually barter for goods amongst themselves based upon the needs of the parties involved.{{fact}} The free folk have been known to trade with the brothers of the [[Night's Watch]] as well,{{Ref|ADWD|Prologue}} and with [[smugglers]], with whom they exchange goods in the little coves on the eastern coast along the [[Shivering Sea]]. They take steel weapons and armor in return for furs, [[ivory]], [[amber]], and [[obsidian]], and have little use for coins.{{Ref|ASOS|54}}

==Essos==
===Dothraki===
The [[Dothraki]] neither buy nor sell{{ref|ADWD|2}}{{Ref|ADWD|71}} and do not really comprehend it.{{Ref|AGOT|56}} Buying and selling is considered to be unmanly.{{Ref|TWOIAF|8|3|5}} Trade is allowed in the sacred city [[Vaes Dothrak]], where, by the leave of the ''[[dosh khaleen]]'', merchants and traders gather to exchange goods and gold,{{Ref|TWOIAF|8|3|5}} though they mostly trade with each other, and little with the Dothraki themselves.{{Ref|AGOT|54}}

Despite the common saying that Dothraki do not sell,{{Ref|ADWD|5}}{{Ref|ADWD|50}} the Dothraki do sell their captives on occasion to the [[Slaver Cities]].{{Ref|ACOK|12}} They call these [[slave]]s "gifts", and in return the Dothraki receive gifts from the slavers.{{Ref|ADWD|50}} Giving and receiving gifts is the common way for Dothraki to do trade.{{Ref|ADWD|5}}{{Ref|ADWD|50}}{{Ref|ADWD|71}} However, giving a gift in return might not always occur immediately upon receiving a gift.{{Ref|ADWD|36}}

===Cities of Essos===
[[File:Coins of the Free Cities.png|thumb|350px|right|Coins of the [[Free Cities]], as depicted by Nutchapol Thitinunthakorn in ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'': Top (''left to right''): [[Braavos]], [[Pentos]], [[Lys]], [[Myr]], [[Tyrosh]] Bottom (''left to right''): [[Volantis]] (front and back), [[Norvos]], [[Qohor]], [[Lorath]].]]
Each of the [[Nine Free Cities]] has its own bank, and some have more than one. The [[Iron Bank of Braavos]] is richer and more powerful than all the rest combined.{{Ref|ADWD|44}}

For [[Astapor]], [[Yunkai]], and [[Meereen]], the three [[Slaver Cities]] located in [[Slaver's Bay]], [[slave]]s are their main trade as well. Slaves are bred and trained to perform all the work of daily life. As such, the economy of these cities is based on this slave labor. In many of the Free Cities, slave trade is also a large part of the economy. The Free City of [[Lys]], for example, is well-known for training bed slaves for [[pillow house]]s. The major exception is [[Braavos]], where slavery is forbidden.

Each of these cities use their own coinage. It is unknown how they relate to one another in value. Braavosi use square iron coins,{{Ref|ADWD|45}}{{Ref|ADWD|64}}, while [[Lys]]eni coins are oval in shape and have a naked woman stamped on them.{{Ref|ADWD|45}} [[Volantis]] employs honors, which are little coins no larger than a penny. These coins have a crown on one side, and a skull on the other.{{Ref|ADWD|1}}{{Ref|ADWD|45}}

From the Slaver Cities, Meereenese coins include honors,{{Ref|ADWD|2}} while the Yunkai'i use golden marks which are stamped with a stepped pyramid on one side and the [[harpy]] of [[Old Empire of Ghis|Ghis]] on the other.{{Ref|aSoS|42}} Astapor uses silver marks.{{Ref|ASOS|23}} At the slave auction held by the Yunkai'i outside the walls of Meereen, the prices are determined in silver pieces.{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

Other coins, for which no region is specified, have ships, [[elephant]]s, or goats<ref group="N">Possibly a coin of [[Qohor]].</ref> depicted on them.{{Ref|ADWD|45}}

====Examples of currency values====
* [[Unsullied]] still in training are tasked to slay a slave infant in front of its mother's eyes to complete their training. They pay the child's owner with a silver mark to compensate for the loss of his slave.{{Ref|ASOS|23}}
* The [[Spotted Cat]], a slave trained to fight in the [[fighting pits of Meereen]], was sold for three hundred thousand honors before [[Daenerys Targaryen]] arrived in the city.{{Ref|ADWD|11}}
* In [[Meereen]], a price of a hundred honors is set for information regarding the [[Sons of the Harpy]]. This reward is eventually raised to a thousand honors.{{Ref|ADWD|2}}
* At the slave auction held by Yunkai near Meereen, seasoned slave-sailors, considered a valuable commodity, sell for 500 to 900 silver pieces. The [[dwarf]]s [[Tyrion Lannister]] and [[Penny]], plus her [[Crunch|dog]] and [[Pretty Pig|pig]], receive the starting bid of three hundred silvers. A bidding competition drives up the price to five thousand silvers.{{ref|ADWD|47}} It is unknown for how much they are eventually sold.

==Quotes==
{{Quote|I am fond of coins. Is there any sound as sweet as the clink of [[gold]] on gold?{{Ref|ADWD|5}}|[[Illyrio Mopatis]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|The heft of all that coin in his pouch made him feel queer; almost giddy on one hand, and anxious on the other. [[Arlan of Pennytree|The old man]] had never trusted him with more than a coin or two at a time.{{Ref|THK}}|thoughts of [[Duncan the Tall]]}}

{{Quote|Half the [[lord]]s in [[Seven Kingdoms|the realm]] could not tell taxation from tyranny, and would bolt to the nearest [[usurper]] in a heartbeat if it would save them a clipped copper.{{ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}|thoughts of [[Kevan Lannister]]}}

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of currency|Images of currency]]

==Trivia==
* In the episode "[[The Wolf and the Lion]]" of the television series ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', [[Petyr Baelish]], during the [[Hand's tourney]], says that he could buy twelve barrels of expensive [[Dorne|Dornish]] wine with a hundred golden dragons.
* The ''House of the Dragon'' prequel TV series generally avoided giving exact money values, because the books never established what the relative values of money were during the Dance of the Dragons era. In contrast, the ''A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms'' prequel TV series did state money values because they could be directly quoted from the Dunk & Egg novellas.

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

[[Category:Culture]]
[[Category:Objects]]

[[es:Monedas]]
[[fr:Monnaies]]
[[pt:Moeda]]
[[ru:Деньги и цены]]
[[zh:货币]]

Cyvasse

2026-07-20T23:25:48Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a board game originating from [[Volantis]], played by two players, and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} In Volantis, there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board that changes from game to game. The players arrange their tiles on the board,{{Ref|AFFC|21}} with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}} Mountains are among the squares that the players can place themselves.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} After the screen is removed, the players move their pieces across the board, in alternating turns.{{Ref|aFfC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound, but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different kinds of pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[spear]]men{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[crossbow]]men{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and [[alabaster]] and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, [[carnelian]], and [[lapis lazuli]].{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when [[Tyrion]] advanced his light horse, [[Haldon]] "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the [[House Martell]] court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her [[betrothed]], Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with the Martells in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is captured by [[slaver]]s and displayed for sale in the slave market outside [[Meereen]], he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by the [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] [[Wise Master]] [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment as an escaped slave. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]]'s army in the [[Stormlands]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading [[galley]] from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|[[Young Griff]] arrayed his army for attack, with [[dragon]], [[elephant]]s, and heavy [[horse]] up front. A young man's formation, as bold as it is foolish. He risks all for the quick kill.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your [[king]] is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]], when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|'''Young Griff:''' My [[dragon]]— '''Tyrion:''' —is too far away to save you. You should have moved her to the center of the battle. '''Young Griff:''' But you said— '''Tyrion:''' I lied. Trust no one. And keep your dragon close.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Young Griff]] and [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the [[dragon]], princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (board game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.{{ref|ssm|2802}} Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the [[Low Valyrian]] word "''cyvasse''" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word [https://wiki.languageinvention.com/index.php?title=K%C8%B3vagon "''kȳvagon''"], which means "strategy". Developing the etymology of "''cyvasse''" also helped Peterson develop the sound changes of the Low Valyrian dialects of the [[Free Cities]].<ref name="DJP1">Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/500 We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref> Peterson also developed a specific High Valyrian word for "''cyvasse''", [https://wiki.languageinvention.com/index.php?title=K%C8%B3vakio "''Kȳvakio''"] (literally "Strategist"),<ref name="DJP2">[https://dedalvs.tumblr.com/post/147010602198/is-ky-vanon-plan-strategy-related-to-cyvasse David J. Peterson's tumblr] (July 6, 2016)</ref> as well as a High Valyrian word for "''cyvasse'' parlor", [https://wiki.languageinvention.com/index.php?title=K%C8%B3vakion "''kȳvakion''"].

As for how to [[Pronunciation guide|pronounce]] "cyvasse", in clips from interviews, Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-AHSS" (IPA: "'''sɪv.äs'''"):<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtr7LbrXTUA George R.R. Martin on Cyvasse,] 2018 panel</ref>

*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both "short I" (as in "if") and "long I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses "short A" (as in "father") not "long A" (as in "ate"). Thus it does ''not'' rhyme with base / grace / space. It sounds closer to the British pronunciation of "vase" - not the American pronunciation of "vase" that rhymes with "base"; however the British "vase" ends with the "Z" sound ("vahz") while Martin pronounces it as just a simple "S" sound (like the final consonant in "mass").

In summary, ("siv" as in "civ-ilization") + ("ah" as in "father" ending with "s" as in "mass").

David J. Peterson, however, pronounces ''cyvasse'' as "SIGH-vass" (IPA: "'''saɪ.væs'''"), with emphasis on the first syllable, a "long I" (like "eye"), and a more nasal "short A" (as in "vat").<ref name="DJP1" />

In adaptations, cyvasse first appeared on-screen in ''House of the Dragon'' Season 3 episode 5, "Unbowed and Unbent". The production team on the TV show pronounce the name as "siv-ASS" (IPA: "'''sɪv.væs'''"): the first syllable the way Martin pronounces it, but the second syllable "ass" with a short "a" like in "mass".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhCua5EGRQQ&t=800s ''House of the Dragon'',] The House That Dragons Built episode 305</ref>

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-07-20T23:24:47Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a board game originating from [[Volantis]], played by two players, and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} In Volantis, there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board that changes from game to game. The players arrange their tiles on the board,{{Ref|AFFC|21}} with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}} Mountains are among the squares that the players can place themselves.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} After the screen is removed, the players move their pieces across the board, in alternating turns.{{Ref|aFfC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound, but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different kinds of pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[spear]]men{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[crossbow]]men{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and [[alabaster]] and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, [[carnelian]], and [[lapis lazuli]].{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when [[Tyrion]] advanced his light horse, [[Haldon]] "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the [[House Martell]] court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her [[betrothed]], Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with the Martells in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is captured by [[slaver]]s and displayed for sale in the slave market outside [[Meereen]], he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by the [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] [[Wise Master]] [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment as an escaped slave. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]]'s army in the [[Stormlands]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading [[galley]] from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|[[Young Griff]] arrayed his army for attack, with [[dragon]], [[elephant]]s, and heavy [[horse]] up front. A young man's formation, as bold as it is foolish. He risks all for the quick kill.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your [[king]] is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]], when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|'''Young Griff:''' My [[dragon]]— '''Tyrion:''' —is too far away to save you. You should have moved her to the center of the battle. '''Young Griff:''' But you said— '''Tyrion:''' I lied. Trust no one. And keep your dragon close.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Young Griff]] and [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the [[dragon]], princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (board game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.{{ref|ssm|2802}} Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the [[Low Valyrian]] word "''cyvasse''" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word [https://wiki.languageinvention.com/index.php?title=K%C8%B3vagon "''kȳvagon''"], which means "strategy". Developing the etymology of "''cyvasse''" also helped Peterson develop the sound changes of the Low Valyrian dialects of the [[Free Cities]].<ref name="DJP1">Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/500 We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref> Peterson also developed a specific High Valyrian word for "''cyvasse''", [https://wiki.languageinvention.com/index.php?title=K%C8%B3vakio "''Kȳvakio''"] (literally "Strategist"),<ref name="DJP2">[https://dedalvs.tumblr.com/post/147010602198/is-ky-vanon-plan-strategy-related-to-cyvasse David J. Peterson's tumblr] (July 6, 2016)</ref> as well as a High Valyrian word for "''cyvasse'' parlor", [https://wiki.languageinvention.com/index.php?title=K%C8%B3vakion "''kȳvakion''"].

As for how to [[Pronunciation guide|pronounce]] "cyvasse", in clips from interviews, Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-AHSS" (IPA: "'''sɪv.äs'''"):<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtr7LbrXTUA George R.R. Martin on Cyvasse,] 2018 panel</ref>

*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both "short I" (as in "if") and "long I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses "short A" (as in "father") not "long A" (as in "ate"). Thus it does ''not'' rhyme with base / grace / space. It sounds closer to the British pronunciation of "vase" - not the American pronunciation of "vase" that rhymes with "base"; however the British "vase" ends with the "Z" sound ("vahz") while Martin pronounces it as just a simple "S" sound (like the final consonant in "mass").

In summary, ("siv" as in "civ-ilization") + ("ah" as in "father" ending with "s" as in "mass").

David J. Peterson, however, pronounces ''cyvasse'' as "SIGH-vass" (IPA: "'''saɪ.væs'''"), with emphasis on the first syllable, a "long I" (like "eye"), and a more nasal "short A" (as in "vat").<ref name="DJP1" />

In adaptations, cyvasse first appeared on-screen in ''House of the Dragon'' Season 3 episode 5, "Unbowed and Unbent". The production team on the TV show pronounce the name as "siv-ASS": the first syllable the way Martin pronounces it, but the second syllable "ass" with a short "a" like in "mass".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhCua5EGRQQ&t=800s ''House of the Dragon'',] The House That Dragons Built episode 305</ref>

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Watercraft

2026-06-11T04:15:56Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Terminology */

{{hatnote|"Ship" redirects here. For the playhouse, see [[Ship (playhouse)]].}}
[[File:Paolopuggioni-ships.png|350px|thumb|[[Braavos]]i trading ships, with purple sails, by Paolo Puggioni]]
'''Watercraft''' in the [[known world]] range from small river and fishing boats, raider vessels, various warships and trade ships, up to the huge war [[w:dromond|dromonds]] and the magnificent [[swan ship]]s that cross the [[Summer Sea]].

==Types of Watercraft==
Some of the descriptions are based on real world parallels.

===Ships===
[[File:Blacktyde longship by MarcSimonetti.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Blacktyde]] longship, by Marc Simonetti © Fantasy Flight Games]]
[[File:Tysen Johnson Refurbished HulkI.jpg|thumb|A hulk refurbished by [[House Greyjoy]], by Lake Hurwitz © Fantasy Flight Games]]
* [[w:Galley|Galleys]] are propelled by sail or oar power and are used for warfare, trade, and [[piracy]]. Due to their low setting they are primarily coastal ships, preferring to thread through archipelagos rather than risking even a moderate sea. Their large rower crew makes them maneuverable and swift but also require frequent stops for food and water. The galley has supplemental sails to replace or augment the effort of the rowers, particularly during long journeys. The ability to travel swiftly without regard to the direction or strength of the wind becomes invaluable for daylight expeditions across open water. The real world, practical upper limit for a galley fast and maneuverable enough for warfare was around twenty-five to thirty oars per side. By adding another level of oars, the galley could be made shorter with as many rowers, while making them strong enough to be effective ramming weapons. The flagship of [[House Hightower]], ''[[Honor of Oldtown]]'', and the flagship of the [[royal fleet]], ''[[King Robert's Hammer]]'', are the two largest known galleys in Westeros.

* [[w:Longship|Longships]] are a smaller type of ship primarily used by the [[ironborn]], but also coastal [[lord]]s{{ref|ASOS|45}} and the [[coming of the Andals|Andals of antiquity]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}} They are long, narrow, light, wooden craft with a shallow-draft hull designed for speed. The ship's shallow draft allows navigation in waters only one meter deep and permits beach landings, while its light weight enables it to be carried over portages. Longships are also double-ended, the symmetrical bow and stern allowing the ship to reverse direction quickly without having to turn around. This trait proves particularly useful in northern latitudes where icebergs and sea ice pose hazards to navigation. Longships are fitted with oars along almost the entire length of the boat itself. Later versions sport a rectangular sail on a single mast which is used to replace or augment the effort of the rowers, particularly during long journeys. [[George R. R. Martin]] has compared them to [[w:longship|Viking longboats]].<ref name=SSM:GreyjoyFleet />

* [[w:Cog|Cogs]] are mostly propelled by sails, which make them difficult to sail, especially upwind, and they are hostage to breezes and currents in a way that the swift galley is not. However, it can better manage rough seas and its small crew and ample storage space give it greater freedom of movement, making it perfect for trade or equipment transport.

* Merchanters are trading vessels, like the cogs ''[[Myraham]]'' and ''[[Bountiful Harvest]]''.{{ref|ACOK|11}}{{ref|ASOS|10}}

* [[w:Carrack|Carracks]] are large ocean-going vessels. They are stable in heavy seas, and roomy enough to carry provisions for long voyages.

* [[Swan ship]]s, so called in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] for their great white sails and figureheads which are often carved in the shape of birds, are large ocean-going vessels designed and built in the [[Summer Isles]]. With a good wind behind them they can outrun any galley. However, they are helpless when becalmed. They have high masts and high forecastles.{{Ref|affc|35}} Summer Islanders have no warships and prefer trade and exploration to conquest, although their swan ships are ably defended.{{ref|twoiaf|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}

* Whalers are fat-bellied ships from [[Ibben]], with hulls black with tar, used to hunt and process whales in the [[Shivering Sea]]. Ibbenese ships, though ungainly and smelly, are renowned for their strength, as they are built to weather any storm and withstand the assaults of the largest whales.{{ref|twoiaf|Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}

* [[w:Hulk|Hulks]] are ships which still float but are unable to put to sea.{{ref|ACOK|58}}

===Boats===
[[File:NitenRiver Runner.JPG|thumb|River Runner, by Niten © Fantasy Flight Games]]
* River galleys are shallow draft boats{{ref|ASOS|74}} used to patrol and defend rivers like the [[Red Fork]],{{ref|ASOS|1}} the [[Trident]],{{ref|ASOS|74}} the [[Rhoyne]],{{ref|ADWD|22}} and the [[Noyne]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Norvos}} Some can hold eighteen oarsmen and more fighters.{{ref|ASOS|1}}

* River runners are long and lean boats used to navigate rivers, such as the [[Blackwater Rush]]{{ref|AGOT|18}} and the [[White Knife]].{{ref|ADWD|15}}

* [[w:Ferry|Ferries]] are used to transport passengers across bodies of water, such as the Blackwater Rush{{ref|AGOT|18}}{{ref|ACOK|52}} and the Trident.{{ref|ASOS|47}} Wherries are also used for transport on rivers like the Blackwater.{{ref|ACOK|58}}

* [[w:Barge|Barges]] can be used to transport goods like grain{{ref|ASOS|1}}{{ref|ADWD|23}} and wood,{{ref|AFFC|26}} or armies and their equipment.{{ref|ACOK|56}}{{ref|ASOS|14}} Opulent and ornate pleasure barges are popular with the well to do.{{ref|AGOT|18}}{{ref|ACOK|48}}{{ref|AFFC|34}}{{ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}} Troupes of [[mummers]] use gaily-painted barges.{{ref|ADWD|24}}

* [[w:Skiff|Skiffs]] are small sailboats popular with fisherfolk{{ref|ACOK|58}} and smugglers.{{ref|ACOK|10}}

* Serpent boats are [[w:Gondola|slender poleboats]] used to traverse the canals of [[Braavos]]. They are shaped like water serpents and have painted heads and upraised tails.{{ref|AFFC|6}}

* Orphan boats are carved and painted poleboats which house the [[orphans of the Greenblood]].{{ref|AFFC|21}}

==Terminology==

In real life history, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_and_starboard terms for the left and right side] of a boat (when standing on it and facing the front) actually changed over the centuries. The ''A Song of Ice & Fire'' novels use the terms "port" and "larboard" interchangeably to refer to the left side of a ship - but "port" only started being used in real life during the Renaissance.

Before ships had rudders, they were maneuvered using a steering oar - which tended to be on the right side of the ship, because most people are right-handed. In Old English "board" meant "side", thus the "steering oar side" was "steer-board", which slurred to "Starboard".

Because the steer oar on the right side needed to be in the water, it was the left side that was pulled up against a port dock for loading and unloading a boat. Prior to around 1300, the left side was called "back-board" - because it was behind whoever was manning the steering oar. After 1300 the name shifted to being called "load-board" because it was the side the ship was loaded on while pulled against a dock. "Load-board" eventually slurred to "Larboard".

Around the late 1500s, however, the alternative term "Port-side" (or just "Port") started being used - again referring to the fact that the left side of a boat is the one pulled up to face a "port" while the crew "load" cargo onto it. The two terms overlapped for some time in subsequent centuries but in the mid-1800s both the British and U.S. navies officially ordered that "port" be used instead of "larboard" - because "larboard" sounds similar enough to "starboard" that they might be misheard.

==Notable Fleets==
===Westeros===
[[File:Sallas escort ship by MarcSimonetti.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Salladhor Saan]]'s escort ship, by Marc Simonetti © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The major fleets of [[Westeros]] are the [[Iron Fleet]] and the fleets of the [[ironborn]] lords, based in the [[Iron Islands]]; the [[royal fleet]], based at [[King's Landing]] and [[Dragonstone]]; and the [[Redwyne fleet]], based at the [[Arbor]].<ref name=SSM:LannisterFleet>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Lannister_Fleet/ The Lannister Fleet], September 26, 1999</ref> The [[north]] has had no strength at sea since [[King in the North]] [[Brandon Stark (Burner)|Brandon the Burner]] put [[Brandon Stark (Shipwright)|Brandon the Shipwright]]'s remaining ships to the torch hundreds of years ago.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

In the rest of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], lords whose lands abut the coast might keep a war galley or three for coastal defense against [[pirates]]. The [[Lannister fleet|Lannisters]], in contrast, is a larger and grander fleet of twenty to thirty ships. Usually for major battles, the lords call the ships of their various bannermen.<ref name=SSM:LannisterFleet /> Historically, the [[Velaryon fleet]] formed the bulk of the royal fleet.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}

While the [[House Greyjoy|Greyjoys']] main force is the Iron Fleet, they can also raise hundreds of ironborn ships. However, most of those will be [[w:Longship|longships]] made for raids rather than battle. Other Westerosi lords are more likely to have larger and more formidable ships like cogs, carracks, and war galleys of various sides, up to the great dromonds with scorpions and catapults on deck.<ref name=SSM:GreyjoyFleet>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Re_Greyjoy_Fleet/ Re: Greyjoy Fleet], February 09, 1999</ref>

The [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] are in more or less the same position as the Lannisters, though they depend even more on their bannermen, especially the lords of the [[Shield Islands]] off the mouth of the [[Mander]]. The [[House Hightower|Hightowers]] have only a few warships, but control [[Oldtown]], home to numerous trading vessels.<ref name=SSM:LannisterFleet />

===Essos===
In [[Qarth]] in central [[Essos]], the [[Thirteen]] control a thousand ships, the [[Ancient Guild of Spicers]] own about twelve hundred or thirteen hundred, and the [[Tourmaline Brotherhood]] has about eight hundred.{{Ref|aCoK|63}}

In [[Braavos]], the [[Sealord]] commands a fleet of warships second to none, and a mercantile fleet whose purple hulls and purple sails have become a common sight throughout the known world.{{ref|twoiaf|The Free Cities: Braavos}} The [[Arsenal]] of Braavos can reportedly build a war galley in a day.{{ref|AFFC|6}}

The [[Volantene fleet]] has hundreds of green galleys.{{ref|ADWD|56}}

==Warfare==
[[File:Suicide raider by MarcSimonetti.jpg|350px|thumb|Suicide raider, by Marc Simonetti]]
Ships are used in small skirmishes, raids, and full-scale naval engagements, such as the [[sea battle off Fair Isle]]. Lords whose lands abut the coast might need to maintain a few war galleys to defend against piracy. Ships are also use for support roles, such as providing provisions and transporting troops.

The basic tactic of naval battles is to get the ship close enough to ram the other ship, board her, and fight the rest of the battle on the deck. Up until they close, longbows and crossbows can be used. Sometimes siege weapons are carried on the largest war galleys.

* Longships of the [[Iron Fleet]] are used as fast raiding ships. They can travel twice as swiftly as a merchant cog{{Ref|aCoK|11}} and are three times the size of standard longships.{{Ref|affc|29}} The standard tactic for engaging is to board the enemy ship. The whole crew being doubling as both marines and oarsmen, as well as the ironborn preference for wearing armor despite the risk of drowning, gives the ironborn an advantage when boarding.

* War galleys or [[w:Dromond|dromonds]] are larger than normal galleys and carry more tonnage as a result of being equipped with a ram, and they may equip siege weapons like ballista or catapults. They also have a larger compliment of oarsmen and soldiers onboard. The standard tactic for engaging is to ram the enemy ship, causing it to sink, or to board it if the attacking ship has a greater number of soldiers and wishes to capture the enemy ship intact. They are presumably the kind of ship that [[George R. R. Martin]] has compared to Venetian/Byzantine [[w:dromon|dromonds of war]].<ref name=SSM:GreyjoyFleet /> The standard war galley in Westeros has a hundred oars and oarmen, with the larger ships adding more decks of a hundred oarsmen. [[Myr]]ish war galleys appear to have no more than eighty oars. During boarding actions, oarsmen equipped with boarding axes, shortswords, and other weapons are expected to fight, though only a tenth of the crew (marines, rather than oarsmen) are wearing armor.{{Ref|affc|29}} Given Martin's comparison of these ships to Byzantine/Venetian war dromonds, there should be roughly thirty-five marines, archers, and artillery crews for every hundred oarsmen.<Ref>[https://www.naval-encyclopedia.com/medieval-ships/ Medieval Ships.] Naval Encyclopedia. "In general, the Dromon, a bireme, was propelled by 80 oars (for the biggest ones like the one represented above, of 50 by 7 meters), and could total 240 rowers, not counting the 80 soldiers, archers, officers, and crew for balisters and catapults."</ref>

* [[Swan ship]]s are known to have red archers with [[goldenheart]] bows, companies that help defend the vessel from attack. Women serve on swan ships and can command the red archers.{{ref|AFFC|35}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:First mate by henning.jpg|350px|thumb|A ship's crew, by Henning Ludvigsen © Fantasy Flight Games]]
[[Victarion Greyjoy]] leads the [[Iron Fleet]] in [[fall of Moat Cailin|capturing Moat Cailin]].{{ref|ACOK|24}}{{ref|ACOK|69}}

The [[royal fleet]] is divided between King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] at [[King's Landing]] and [[Stannis Baratheon]] at [[Dragonstone]]. Both fleets are largely destroyed during the [[Battle of the Blackwater]].{{ref|ACOK|58}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[Euron Greyjoy]] leads the Iron Fleet and [[ironborn]] lords in the [[taking of the Shields]].{{ref|AFFC|29}}

The [[Redwyne fleet]] assists in the [[siege of Dragonstone]].{{ref|AFFC|32}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Victarion leads the Iron Fleet to [[Slaver's Bay]] to find [[Daenerys Targaryen]] in [[Meereen]].{{ref|ADWD|56}}{{ref|ADWD|63}}

The [[Golden Company]] sails from [[Volantis]] to [[Westeros]] on Volantene ships,{{ref|ADWD|61}} and the bulk of the [[Volantene fleet]] sails to oppose Daenerys.{{ref|ADWD|56}}{{ref|ADWD|67}}

The Redwyne fleet sails back to defend the [[Reach]] from the [[ironborn]].{{ref|ADWD|44}}

[[Davos Seaworth]] spots twenty-three war galleys at [[White Harbor]],{{ref|ADWD|15}} while [[Wyman Manderly]] claims to have as many more hidden up the [[White Knife]].{{ref|ADWD|29}}

==See Also==
* List of all known [[:Category:Ships|ships]].
* List of known [[:Category:Warships|warships]].
* [[:Category:Images of ships|Images of ships]]

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

{{Transport}}

[[Category:Ships| ]]
[[Category:Transport]]

[[fr:Bateaux]]
[[pt:Navios]]
[[ru:Корабли и морское дело]]
[[zh:船只]]

Watercraft

2026-06-11T04:15:30Z

The Dragon Demands:

{{hatnote|"Ship" redirects here. For the playhouse, see [[Ship (playhouse)]].}}
[[File:Paolopuggioni-ships.png|350px|thumb|[[Braavos]]i trading ships, with purple sails, by Paolo Puggioni]]
'''Watercraft''' in the [[known world]] range from small river and fishing boats, raider vessels, various warships and trade ships, up to the huge war [[w:dromond|dromonds]] and the magnificent [[swan ship]]s that cross the [[Summer Sea]].

==Types of Watercraft==
Some of the descriptions are based on real world parallels.

===Ships===
[[File:Blacktyde longship by MarcSimonetti.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Blacktyde]] longship, by Marc Simonetti © Fantasy Flight Games]]
[[File:Tysen Johnson Refurbished HulkI.jpg|thumb|A hulk refurbished by [[House Greyjoy]], by Lake Hurwitz © Fantasy Flight Games]]
* [[w:Galley|Galleys]] are propelled by sail or oar power and are used for warfare, trade, and [[piracy]]. Due to their low setting they are primarily coastal ships, preferring to thread through archipelagos rather than risking even a moderate sea. Their large rower crew makes them maneuverable and swift but also require frequent stops for food and water. The galley has supplemental sails to replace or augment the effort of the rowers, particularly during long journeys. The ability to travel swiftly without regard to the direction or strength of the wind becomes invaluable for daylight expeditions across open water. The real world, practical upper limit for a galley fast and maneuverable enough for warfare was around twenty-five to thirty oars per side. By adding another level of oars, the galley could be made shorter with as many rowers, while making them strong enough to be effective ramming weapons. The flagship of [[House Hightower]], ''[[Honor of Oldtown]]'', and the flagship of the [[royal fleet]], ''[[King Robert's Hammer]]'', are the two largest known galleys in Westeros.

* [[w:Longship|Longships]] are a smaller type of ship primarily used by the [[ironborn]], but also coastal [[lord]]s{{ref|ASOS|45}} and the [[coming of the Andals|Andals of antiquity]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}} They are long, narrow, light, wooden craft with a shallow-draft hull designed for speed. The ship's shallow draft allows navigation in waters only one meter deep and permits beach landings, while its light weight enables it to be carried over portages. Longships are also double-ended, the symmetrical bow and stern allowing the ship to reverse direction quickly without having to turn around. This trait proves particularly useful in northern latitudes where icebergs and sea ice pose hazards to navigation. Longships are fitted with oars along almost the entire length of the boat itself. Later versions sport a rectangular sail on a single mast which is used to replace or augment the effort of the rowers, particularly during long journeys. [[George R. R. Martin]] has compared them to [[w:longship|Viking longboats]].<ref name=SSM:GreyjoyFleet />

* [[w:Cog|Cogs]] are mostly propelled by sails, which make them difficult to sail, especially upwind, and they are hostage to breezes and currents in a way that the swift galley is not. However, it can better manage rough seas and its small crew and ample storage space give it greater freedom of movement, making it perfect for trade or equipment transport.

* Merchanters are trading vessels, like the cogs ''[[Myraham]]'' and ''[[Bountiful Harvest]]''.{{ref|ACOK|11}}{{ref|ASOS|10}}

* [[w:Carrack|Carracks]] are large ocean-going vessels. They are stable in heavy seas, and roomy enough to carry provisions for long voyages.

* [[Swan ship]]s, so called in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] for their great white sails and figureheads which are often carved in the shape of birds, are large ocean-going vessels designed and built in the [[Summer Isles]]. With a good wind behind them they can outrun any galley. However, they are helpless when becalmed. They have high masts and high forecastles.{{Ref|affc|35}} Summer Islanders have no warships and prefer trade and exploration to conquest, although their swan ships are ably defended.{{ref|twoiaf|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}

* Whalers are fat-bellied ships from [[Ibben]], with hulls black with tar, used to hunt and process whales in the [[Shivering Sea]]. Ibbenese ships, though ungainly and smelly, are renowned for their strength, as they are built to weather any storm and withstand the assaults of the largest whales.{{ref|twoiaf|Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}

* [[w:Hulk|Hulks]] are ships which still float but are unable to put to sea.{{ref|ACOK|58}}

===Boats===
[[File:NitenRiver Runner.JPG|thumb|River Runner, by Niten © Fantasy Flight Games]]
* River galleys are shallow draft boats{{ref|ASOS|74}} used to patrol and defend rivers like the [[Red Fork]],{{ref|ASOS|1}} the [[Trident]],{{ref|ASOS|74}} the [[Rhoyne]],{{ref|ADWD|22}} and the [[Noyne]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Norvos}} Some can hold eighteen oarsmen and more fighters.{{ref|ASOS|1}}

* River runners are long and lean boats used to navigate rivers, such as the [[Blackwater Rush]]{{ref|AGOT|18}} and the [[White Knife]].{{ref|ADWD|15}}

* [[w:Ferry|Ferries]] are used to transport passengers across bodies of water, such as the Blackwater Rush{{ref|AGOT|18}}{{ref|ACOK|52}} and the Trident.{{ref|ASOS|47}} Wherries are also used for transport on rivers like the Blackwater.{{ref|ACOK|58}}

* [[w:Barge|Barges]] can be used to transport goods like grain{{ref|ASOS|1}}{{ref|ADWD|23}} and wood,{{ref|AFFC|26}} or armies and their equipment.{{ref|ACOK|56}}{{ref|ASOS|14}} Opulent and ornate pleasure barges are popular with the well to do.{{ref|AGOT|18}}{{ref|ACOK|48}}{{ref|AFFC|34}}{{ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}} Troupes of [[mummers]] use gaily-painted barges.{{ref|ADWD|24}}

* [[w:Skiff|Skiffs]] are small sailboats popular with fisherfolk{{ref|ACOK|58}} and smugglers.{{ref|ACOK|10}}

* Serpent boats are [[w:Gondola|slender poleboats]] used to traverse the canals of [[Braavos]]. They are shaped like water serpents and have painted heads and upraised tails.{{ref|AFFC|6}}

* Orphan boats are carved and painted poleboats which house the [[orphans of the Greenblood]].{{ref|AFFC|21}}

==Terminology==

In real life history, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_and_starboard terms for the left and right side] of a boat (when standing on it and facing the front) actually changed over the centuries. The ''A Song of Ice & Fire'' novels actually use the terms "port" and "larboard" interchangeably to refer to the left side of a ship - but "port" only started being used in real life during the Renaissance.

Before ships had rudders, they were maneuvered using a steering oar - which tended to be on the right side of the ship, because most people are right-handed. In Old English "board" meant "side", thus the "steering oar side" was "steer-board", which slurred to "Starboard".

Because the steer oar on the right side needed to be in the water, it was the left side that was pulled up against a port dock for loading and unloading a boat. Prior to around 1300, the left side was called "back-board" - because it was behind whoever was manning the steering oar. After 1300 the name shifted to being called "load-board" because it was the side the ship was loaded on while pulled against a dock. "Load-board" eventually slurred to "Larboard".

Around the late 1500s, however, the alternative term "Port-side" (or just "Port") started being used - again referring to the fact that the left side of a boat is the one pulled up to face a "port" while the crew "load" cargo onto it. The two terms overlapped for some time in subsequent centuries but in the mid-1800s both the British and U.S. navies officially ordered that "port" be used instead of "larboard" - because "larboard" sounds similar enough to "starboard" that they might be misheard.

==Notable Fleets==
===Westeros===
[[File:Sallas escort ship by MarcSimonetti.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Salladhor Saan]]'s escort ship, by Marc Simonetti © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The major fleets of [[Westeros]] are the [[Iron Fleet]] and the fleets of the [[ironborn]] lords, based in the [[Iron Islands]]; the [[royal fleet]], based at [[King's Landing]] and [[Dragonstone]]; and the [[Redwyne fleet]], based at the [[Arbor]].<ref name=SSM:LannisterFleet>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Lannister_Fleet/ The Lannister Fleet], September 26, 1999</ref> The [[north]] has had no strength at sea since [[King in the North]] [[Brandon Stark (Burner)|Brandon the Burner]] put [[Brandon Stark (Shipwright)|Brandon the Shipwright]]'s remaining ships to the torch hundreds of years ago.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

In the rest of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], lords whose lands abut the coast might keep a war galley or three for coastal defense against [[pirates]]. The [[Lannister fleet|Lannisters]], in contrast, is a larger and grander fleet of twenty to thirty ships. Usually for major battles, the lords call the ships of their various bannermen.<ref name=SSM:LannisterFleet /> Historically, the [[Velaryon fleet]] formed the bulk of the royal fleet.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}

While the [[House Greyjoy|Greyjoys']] main force is the Iron Fleet, they can also raise hundreds of ironborn ships. However, most of those will be [[w:Longship|longships]] made for raids rather than battle. Other Westerosi lords are more likely to have larger and more formidable ships like cogs, carracks, and war galleys of various sides, up to the great dromonds with scorpions and catapults on deck.<ref name=SSM:GreyjoyFleet>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Re_Greyjoy_Fleet/ Re: Greyjoy Fleet], February 09, 1999</ref>

The [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] are in more or less the same position as the Lannisters, though they depend even more on their bannermen, especially the lords of the [[Shield Islands]] off the mouth of the [[Mander]]. The [[House Hightower|Hightowers]] have only a few warships, but control [[Oldtown]], home to numerous trading vessels.<ref name=SSM:LannisterFleet />

===Essos===
In [[Qarth]] in central [[Essos]], the [[Thirteen]] control a thousand ships, the [[Ancient Guild of Spicers]] own about twelve hundred or thirteen hundred, and the [[Tourmaline Brotherhood]] has about eight hundred.{{Ref|aCoK|63}}

In [[Braavos]], the [[Sealord]] commands a fleet of warships second to none, and a mercantile fleet whose purple hulls and purple sails have become a common sight throughout the known world.{{ref|twoiaf|The Free Cities: Braavos}} The [[Arsenal]] of Braavos can reportedly build a war galley in a day.{{ref|AFFC|6}}

The [[Volantene fleet]] has hundreds of green galleys.{{ref|ADWD|56}}

==Warfare==
[[File:Suicide raider by MarcSimonetti.jpg|350px|thumb|Suicide raider, by Marc Simonetti]]
Ships are used in small skirmishes, raids, and full-scale naval engagements, such as the [[sea battle off Fair Isle]]. Lords whose lands abut the coast might need to maintain a few war galleys to defend against piracy. Ships are also use for support roles, such as providing provisions and transporting troops.

The basic tactic of naval battles is to get the ship close enough to ram the other ship, board her, and fight the rest of the battle on the deck. Up until they close, longbows and crossbows can be used. Sometimes siege weapons are carried on the largest war galleys.

* Longships of the [[Iron Fleet]] are used as fast raiding ships. They can travel twice as swiftly as a merchant cog{{Ref|aCoK|11}} and are three times the size of standard longships.{{Ref|affc|29}} The standard tactic for engaging is to board the enemy ship. The whole crew being doubling as both marines and oarsmen, as well as the ironborn preference for wearing armor despite the risk of drowning, gives the ironborn an advantage when boarding.

* War galleys or [[w:Dromond|dromonds]] are larger than normal galleys and carry more tonnage as a result of being equipped with a ram, and they may equip siege weapons like ballista or catapults. They also have a larger compliment of oarsmen and soldiers onboard. The standard tactic for engaging is to ram the enemy ship, causing it to sink, or to board it if the attacking ship has a greater number of soldiers and wishes to capture the enemy ship intact. They are presumably the kind of ship that [[George R. R. Martin]] has compared to Venetian/Byzantine [[w:dromon|dromonds of war]].<ref name=SSM:GreyjoyFleet /> The standard war galley in Westeros has a hundred oars and oarmen, with the larger ships adding more decks of a hundred oarsmen. [[Myr]]ish war galleys appear to have no more than eighty oars. During boarding actions, oarsmen equipped with boarding axes, shortswords, and other weapons are expected to fight, though only a tenth of the crew (marines, rather than oarsmen) are wearing armor.{{Ref|affc|29}} Given Martin's comparison of these ships to Byzantine/Venetian war dromonds, there should be roughly thirty-five marines, archers, and artillery crews for every hundred oarsmen.<Ref>[https://www.naval-encyclopedia.com/medieval-ships/ Medieval Ships.] Naval Encyclopedia. "In general, the Dromon, a bireme, was propelled by 80 oars (for the biggest ones like the one represented above, of 50 by 7 meters), and could total 240 rowers, not counting the 80 soldiers, archers, officers, and crew for balisters and catapults."</ref>

* [[Swan ship]]s are known to have red archers with [[goldenheart]] bows, companies that help defend the vessel from attack. Women serve on swan ships and can command the red archers.{{ref|AFFC|35}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:First mate by henning.jpg|350px|thumb|A ship's crew, by Henning Ludvigsen © Fantasy Flight Games]]
[[Victarion Greyjoy]] leads the [[Iron Fleet]] in [[fall of Moat Cailin|capturing Moat Cailin]].{{ref|ACOK|24}}{{ref|ACOK|69}}

The [[royal fleet]] is divided between King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] at [[King's Landing]] and [[Stannis Baratheon]] at [[Dragonstone]]. Both fleets are largely destroyed during the [[Battle of the Blackwater]].{{ref|ACOK|58}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[Euron Greyjoy]] leads the Iron Fleet and [[ironborn]] lords in the [[taking of the Shields]].{{ref|AFFC|29}}

The [[Redwyne fleet]] assists in the [[siege of Dragonstone]].{{ref|AFFC|32}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Victarion leads the Iron Fleet to [[Slaver's Bay]] to find [[Daenerys Targaryen]] in [[Meereen]].{{ref|ADWD|56}}{{ref|ADWD|63}}

The [[Golden Company]] sails from [[Volantis]] to [[Westeros]] on Volantene ships,{{ref|ADWD|61}} and the bulk of the [[Volantene fleet]] sails to oppose Daenerys.{{ref|ADWD|56}}{{ref|ADWD|67}}

The Redwyne fleet sails back to defend the [[Reach]] from the [[ironborn]].{{ref|ADWD|44}}

[[Davos Seaworth]] spots twenty-three war galleys at [[White Harbor]],{{ref|ADWD|15}} while [[Wyman Manderly]] claims to have as many more hidden up the [[White Knife]].{{ref|ADWD|29}}

==See Also==
* List of all known [[:Category:Ships|ships]].
* List of known [[:Category:Warships|warships]].
* [[:Category:Images of ships|Images of ships]]

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

{{Transport}}

[[Category:Ships| ]]
[[Category:Transport]]

[[fr:Bateaux]]
[[pt:Navios]]
[[ru:Корабли и морское дело]]
[[zh:船只]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T20:13:40Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-AHSS" (IPA: "'''sɪv.äs'''"):<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtr7LbrXTUA George R.R. Martin on Cyvasse,] 2018 panel</ref>

*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate"). Thus is does ''not'' rhyme with base / grace / space. It sounds closer to the British pronunciation of "vase" - not the American pronunciation of "vase" that rhymes with "base"; however the British "vase" ends with the "Z" sound ("vahz") while Martin pronounces it as just a simple "S" sound (like the final consonant in "mass").

In summary, ("siv" as in "civ-ilization") + ("ah" as in "father" ending with "s" as in "mass").

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T20:13:09Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-AHSS" (IPA: "'''sɪv.äs'''"):<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtr7LbrXTUA George R.R. Martin on Cyvasse,] 2018 panel</ref>

*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate"). Thus is does ''not'' rhyme with base / grace / space. It sounds closer to the British pronunciation of "vase" - not the American pronunciation of "vase" that rhymes with "base"; however the British "vase" ends with the "Z" sound ("vahz") while Martin pronounces it as just a simple "S" sound (like the final consonant in "mass").

In summary, ("siv" as in "civ-ilization") + ("a" as in "father" ending with "s" as in "mass").

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T20:12:48Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-AHSS" (IPA: "'''sɪv.äs'''"):<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtr7LbrXTUA George R.R. Martin on Cyvasse,] 2018 panel</ref>

*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate"). Thus is does ''not'' rhyme with base / grace / space. It sounds closer to the British pronunciation of "vase" - not the American pronunciation of "vase" that rhymes with "base"; however the British "vase" ends with the "Z" sound ("vahz") while Martin pronounces it as just an "S" sound (like the final consonant in "mass".

In summary, ("siv" as in "civ-ilization") + ("a" as in "father" ending with "s" as in "mass").

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T20:11:57Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-AHSS" (IPA: "'''sɪv.äs'''"):<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtr7LbrXTUA George R.R. Martin on Cyvasse,] 2018 panel</ref>

*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate"). Thus is does ''not'' rhyme with base / grace / space. It sounds closer to the British pronunciation of "vase" - not the American pronunciation of "vase" that rhymes with "base"; however the British "vase" ends with the "z" sound ("vahz") while Martin pronounces it as just an "S" sound (like the final consonant in "mass".

In summary, ("siv" as in "civ-ilization") + ("a" as in "father" ending with "s" as in "mass").

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T20:11:33Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-AHSS" (IPA: "sɪv.äs"):<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtr7LbrXTUA George R.R. Martin on Cyvasse,] 2018 panel</ref>

*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate"). Thus is does ''not'' rhyme with base / grace / space. It sounds closer to the British pronunciation of "vase" - not the American pronunciation of "vase" that rhymes with "base"; however the British "vase" ends with the "z" sound ("vahz") while Martin pronounces it as just an "S" sound (like the final consonant in "mass".

In summary, ("siv" as in "civ-ilization") + ("a" as in "father" ending with "s" as in "mass").

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T20:11:05Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-AHSS" (IPA: "sɪv.äs"):<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtr7LbrXTUA George R.R. Martin on Cyvasse,] 2018 panel</ref>

*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate"). Thus is does ''not'' rhyme with base / grace / space. It sounds closer to the British pronunciation of "vase" - not the American pronunciation of "vase" that rhymes with "base"; however the British "vase" ends with the "z" sound ("vahz") while Martin pronounces it as just an "S" sound (like the final consonant in "mass".

In summary, ("siv" as in "civ-ilization") + ("a" as in "father" ending with "s" as in "mass")

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T20:03:45Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-AHSS" (IPA: "sɪv.äs"):<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtr7LbrXTUA George R.R. Martin on Cyvasse,] 2018 panel</ref>

*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate"). Thus is does ''not'' rhyme with base / grace / space. It sounds closer to the British pronunciation of "vase" - not the American pronunciation of "vase" that rhymes with "base"; however the British "vase" ends with the "z" sound ("vahz") while Martin pronounces it as just a double-"s" sound.

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T19:57:08Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-AHSS":<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtr7LbrXTUA George R.R. Martin on Cyvasse,] 2018 panel</ref>

*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate"). Thus is does ''not'' rhyme with base / grace / space. It sounds closer to the British pronunciation of "vase" - not the American pronunciation of "vase" that rhymes with "base"; however the British "vase" ends with the "z" sound ("vahz") while Martin pronounces it as just a double-"s" sound.

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T19:56:00Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-AHSS":<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtr7LbrXTUA George R.R. Martin on Cyvasse,] 2018 panel</ref>

*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate"). Thus is does ''not'' rhyme with base / grace / space. It sounds closer to the British pronunciation of "vase" - not the American pronunciation of "vase" that rhymes with "base"; however the British "vase" ends with the "z" sound ("vahz) while Martin pronounces it as just a double-"s" sound.

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T19:54:52Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-AHSS":

*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate"). Thus is does ''not'' rhyme with base / grace / space. It sounds closer to the British pronunciation of "vase" - not the American pronunciation of "vase" that rhymes with "base"; however the British "vase" ends with the "z" sound ("vahz) while Martin pronounces it as just a double-"s" sound.

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T19:54:02Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-ahs" / "civ-vase":
*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate"). Thus is does ''not'' rhyme with base / grace / space. It sounds closer to the British pronunciation of "vase" - not the American pronunciation of "vase" that rhymes with "base"; however the British "vase" ends with the "z" sound ("vahz) while Martin pronounces it as just a double-"s" sound.

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T19:46:50Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-ahs" / "civ-vase":
*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate"). Thus is does ''not'' rhyme with base / grace / space. It sounds like the British pronunciation of "vase" - not the American pronunciation of "vase" that rhymes with "base".

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T19:44:57Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-ahs" / "civ-vase":
*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye"). It is ''not'' a hard C like the letter "K", nor does it sound like the "Cy" in "cyborg".
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate").

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T19:44:05Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-ahs" / "civ-vase":
*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye").
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate").

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-08T19:43:46Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Behind the Scenes */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

As for how to pronounce "cyvasse", in clips from interviews George R.R. Martin himself pronounces it as "siv-ahs" / "civ-vase":
*It only has two syllables: the final "e" is silent (so not "sigh-vas-see").
*The first syllable sounds like the first syllable of "'''civ'''ilization" - keeping in mind that for many names in the books, Martin has used the letter "Y" to alternatively stand in for both short "i" (as in "if") and long "I" (sounds like "eye").
*The second syllable uses short "a" (as in "father") not long "A" (as in "ate").

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-01T19:01:33Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Known Rules */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse. This risks the dragon being killed by catapults or trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Conversely, an overly defensive play style is to place the powerful elephant pieces in the mountain passes: this immobilizes the defender while leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's dragon, which can fly across mountains as well as kill elephants.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Ultimately, success comes down to the individual player's skill.

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-01T18:58:25Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Known Rules */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

It is possible for players to be overly aggressive or overly defensive, as there are counter-strategies for each. A recklessly aggressive offense immediately advances with the dragon, elephants, and heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-01T18:53:19Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Known Rules */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* An elephant can apparently defeat a light horse - as when Tyrion advanced his light horse, Haldon "answered" with an elephant. Tyrion then moved up his heavy horse to support the light, which might imply elephants cannot kill heavy horse.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-01T18:49:38Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Known Rules */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* Pieces cannot travel across mountains, which are set up before the start of play to make strategic choke points. The exception is the dragon piece, which can ignore and cross mountains (because real dragons fly).{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Cyvasse

2026-06-01T18:45:42Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Known Rules */

[[File:Sara Biddle The Long PlanII.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell]] eyeing the dragon piece in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Sara Biddle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''''Cyvasse''''' is a game played by two players and features ten types of pieces, each with different powers and attributes.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|:Category:Images of cyvasse|l1=Images of cyvasse}}
''Cyvasse'' is played on a board which changes from game to game. The players arrange the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves, are mountains.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In turn, the players move their pieces across the board.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} In Volantis there are ''cyvasse'' parlors.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is complex and profound but he has not come up with rules for the game.<ref name=cyvasse>[https://youtu.be/OMvFNaqSWEo?t=17m42s George R R Martin visiting SF-Bokhandeln]</ref>

===Game Pieces===
[[File:A. L. Ashbaugh Outthought.JPG|350px|thumb|Dragon and elephant game pieces in ''cyvasse'', by A. L. Ashbaugh © Fantasy Flight Games]]
There are ten different pieces available:{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
* [[smallfolk|rabble]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* spearmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* crossbowmen{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|light horse]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[horse|heavy horse]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[trebuchet]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
* catapult{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* [[dragon]]{{Ref|aDwD|22}}
* [[elephant]]{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
* [[king]]{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

The dragon is the most powerful piece in the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} It is not exactly known how many pieces each player has of each different kind, but one player has multiple elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The goal of the game is to "kill" the king.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Known color combinations of pieces include [[ivory]] and [[onyx]],{{ref|AFFC|40}} ivory and [[jade]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} and alabaster and onyx.{{ref|ADWD|22}} Squares of the game board can be colored jade, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.{{ref|AFFC|13}} Cheaper sets are carved from wood.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

===Known Rules===
Several rules are briefly mentioned in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'':
* A dragon can remove elephants from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} Unlike other pieces, a dragon can move ''across'' mountains because they can fly.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A catapult can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
* A trebuchet can remove a dragon from the board.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

==History==
''Cyvasse'' originates from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} [[Ben Plumm]] learned the game when Volantis contracted the [[Second Sons]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}} ''Cyvasse'' is frequently played in [[Lys]]{{ref|ADWD|6}} and Volantis.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

Around {{Date|299}}, the game came to [[Westeros]], starting in [[Dorne]], where a trading galley from [[Volantis]] introduced the game. It was spread from [[Planky Town]] up and down the [[Greenblood]] by the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans of the river]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:DoransGameJT.png|350px|thumb|Prince [[Doran Martell|Doran's]] game, by Serena Malyon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''Cyvasse'' is a craze among the court at [[Sunspear]]. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] learns the game from her betrothed, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], when she comes to live with him in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}} She takes to the game quickly, and wins more often that Trystane, though he does not seem to mind.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] finds the game maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} When riding through the desert with Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Myrcella comments that Trystane always places his squares the same way.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

When Arianne is imprisoned in a chamber in the [[Spear Tower]] for her failed attempt at kidnapping Myrcella, she finds that her father [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], has had a ''cyvasse'' table placed there. She ignores it, but he later tells her it was there to teach her to study a game before she attempts to play it. When Arianne is summoned to her father's rooms at the end of her imprisonment, she finds him sitting across a ''cyvasse'' table, studying the pieces. He hands her an onyx dragon piece as he explains the [[secret marriage pact]] between [[House Martell]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

In [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her cousins are studying the game when Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] brings the news that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] has [[siege of Dragonstone|taken Dragonstone]] but received severe injuries in the process.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman tyrion cyvasse.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Tyrion Lannister]] plays [[Qavo Nogarys]] in a game of ''cyvasse'', by Marc Fishman]]
While is in [[Lys]], Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] spots ''cyvasse'' pieces being sold.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

''Cyvasse'' is played during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s voyage on the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' with [[Haldon]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}} and [[Young Griff]], and he learns the game.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} While playing against Haldon, Tyrion places a bet, and wins the game, thereby learning from Haldon the true identity of Young Griff. In the game against Young Griff, Tyrion tells the boy to go to [[Westeros]], instead of seeking the hand of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Later on, when he is separated from Young Griff's group, Tyrion learns that Young Griff actually listened.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion, under Haldon's direction, plays against the custom officer [[Qavo Nogarys]] in [[Volantis]], in order to gain information from him.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

On board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'', Tyrion attempts to teach [[Penny]] how to play ''cyvasse'', though he soon realizes it is a lost cause.{{Ref|ADWD|33}} When Tyrion is enslaved and displayed on the slave market, he boasts about his ''cyvasse'' skills as a selling point.{{Ref|ADWD|47}} After Tyrion is bought by [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]], he plays a game of ''cyvasse'' against a man who had originally wanted to buy him (and remembered his claims), and later against [[Ben Plumm]].{{Ref|ADWD|47}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
In the camp of the [[Second Sons]] outside [[Meereen]], Tyrion plays numerous ''cyvasse'' games in [[Brown Ben Plumm]]'s tent. As the [[second siege of Meereen]] commences, a [[Yunkai|Yunkish]] nobleman enters Brown Ben's tent during a meeting. When he recognizes Tyrion, he demands that the dwarf be surrendered for punishment. [[Jorah Mormont]] opens the Yunkish nobleman's throat with his longsword. The man takes two wobbly steps, falls across the ''cyvasse'' board, scatters the wooden armies everywhere, and dies on the carpet. The white dragon piece ends up at Tyrion's feet. He scoops it off the carpet and wipes it on his sleeve, but some of the man's blood has collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood appears to be veined with red.{{ref|twow||[[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]}}

Arianne Martell, on her way to [[Jon Connington]], loses in games of ''cyvasse'' against Ser [[Daemon Sand]] and Ser [[Garibald Shells]].{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|''Cyvasse'', the game was called. It had come to the [[Planky Town]] on a trading galley from [[Volantis]], and the [[orphans of the Greenblood|orphans]] had spread it up and down the [[Greenblood]]. The [[Sunspear|Dornish court]] was mad for it. Ser Arys just found it maddening.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|I hope Your Grace will pardon me. Your king is trapped. Death in four.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] when defeating [[Young Griff]]}}

{{Quote|You have other pieces beside the dragon, princess. Try moving them sometime.{{ref|twow||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne]]}}|[[Daemon Sand]], mocking [[Arianne Martell]] after she loses to him}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], ''cyvasse'' is partially inspired by [[w:chess|chess]], ''[[w:Blitzkrieg (game)|Blitzkrieg]]'', and ''[[w:Stratego|Stratego]]''.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref> Martin has turned down offers from game companies to develop rules for ''cyvasse'' and market the game, as he prefers to have the profundity and complexity of the game more suggested than detailed.<ref name=cyvasse/>

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the etymology of the word "cyvasse" comes from the [[High Valyrian]] word "kȳvagon" which means "strategy".<ref>Game of Owns: [https://www.gameofowns.com/episodes We Light The Way feat. David J Peterson] (at 1h15min45s)</ref>

==References==
{{References}}

{{Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[es:Sitrang]]
[[fr:Cyvosse]]
[[ru:Кайвасса]]

Battle of the Gullet

2026-05-27T02:46:03Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Battle */

{{Battlebox
| image =
| caption =
| battle_name = Battle of the Gullet
| conflict = [[Dance of the Dragons]]
| date = 5th day of the 1st moon of {{Date|130}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| place = [[Gullet]]
| result = Sack of [[Driftmark]] [[Triarchy]]'s involvement with the war ends
| colour_scheme =
| combatant1 = [[File:House Targaryen (Rhaenyra).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Blacks]]'''
*[[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] [[House Velaryon]]
| combatant2 = [[File:House Targaryen (Aegon II).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Greens]]'''
*[[Triarchy]]
| commander1 = [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]
| commander2 = Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]]
| strength1 = [[House Velaryon]] fleet Jacaerys Velaryon (on [[Vermax]]†) [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]] (on [[Stormcloud]]†) [[Ulf White]] (on [[Silverwing]]) [[Nettles]] (on [[Sheepstealer]]) [[Addam Velaryon]] (on [[Seasmoke]]) [[Hugh Hammer]] (on [[Vermithor]])
| strength2 = 90 warships
| casualties1 = [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] (POW) [[Vermax]]† [[Stormcloud]]† 33% of the [[Velaryon fleet]] lost
| casualties2 = 62 warships lost
}}

The '''Battle of the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} also called the '''Battle in the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} was a battle that took place in the [[Gullet]] in {{Date|130}}<ref group="N">''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' includes the Battle of the Gullet among the Battles of 129, but George R. R. Martin [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/152215-fire-and-blood-excerpt/&page=24&tab=comments#comment-8264969 settled for early 130] in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.</ref> during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. It remains among the bloodiest sea battles in all of history.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Prelude==
[[House Velaryon]] blockaded the [[Gullet]] and controlled access to [[Blackwater Bay]] at the start of the civil war. After the [[assault on Harrenhal]] by Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and further blows to the [[greens]], Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]] to [[Aegon II Targaryen]], hatched a plan to break the [[Velaryon fleet]]'s blockade. Otto reached out across the [[narrow sea]] to enemies of Prince Daemon, the [[Triarchy]], hoping to persuade them to move against the Sea Snake, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]. Otto's plan took time and Aegon II eventually ran out of patience with his grandfather's prevarications, replacing him as Hand with Ser [[Criston Cole]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

The schemes of Otto eventually bore fruit, as the [[High Council of the Triarchy]] accepted his offer of alliance in [[Tyrosh]]. Ninety warships, commanded by Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]] of [[Lys]], swept from the [[Stepstones]] under the banners of the Three Daughters, bending their oars for the Gullet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Meanwhile on [[Dragonstone]], it was decided by Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] that his half-brothers, Princes [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], would be [[Fosterage|fostered]] with the [[Prince of Pentos]] until their mother, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], had secured the [[Iron Throne]]. The princes departed on a [[Pentos]]hi cog, the ''[[Gay Abandon]]'', towards the end of {{Date|129}}. The Sea Snake sent seven of his warships with them as escort.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

''Gay Abandon'' encountered the Triarchy's fleet, which had sailed up to the Gullet. The ''Gay Abandon'' was taken captive and her escorts sunk or captured. Possessed only of a [[dragon egg]], Viserys had no way of escaping from the cog and was made captive by a [[Tyrosh]]i captain. Aegon escaped the ''Gay Abandon'' on his young [[dragon]], [[Stormcloud]]. Sailors attempted to bring them down and Stormcloud was wounded by arrows and scorpion bolts. Nevertheless, they flew to Dragonstone, where Aegon delivered the news of the threat from the east. Stormcloud died at Dragonstone from his wounds.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Battle==
[[File:Aegon and Viserys at the Battle of the Gullet by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|right|350px|[[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] at the Battle of the Gullet, by Jota Saraiva]]
Battle began on the fifth day of the new year, {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} [[Sharako Lohar]] divided the [[Triarchy]]'s ships into two squadrons entering the [[Gullet]] to the north and south of [[Dragonstone]]. They attacked at sunrise from the east, surprising [[House Velaryon]]'s fleet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}<ref group="N">Tyrosh and Myr are south of the Gullet: the Triarchy fleet intentionally sailed north past Pentos so it could attack directly from the east at dawn, so the sunrise would hide their approach.</ref>

Flying on [[Vermax]] to meet the fleet of the Triarchy, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] swept down upon a line of [[Lys]]ene galleys. The sailors had experience fighting Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and his dragon, [[Caraxes]], during the [[war for the Stepstones]], so their captains directed their spears and arrows against Jacaerys. One ship caught on fire and then another, however. When Jacaerys was joined by [[Ulf the White]] on [[Silverwing]], [[Nettles]] on [[Sheepstealer]], [[Addam Velaryon]] on [[Seasmoke]], and [[Hugh Hammer]] on [[Vermithor]], the line of warships from the [[Free Cities]] shattered as one galley after another turned away.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Vermax flew too low, however, and crashed down into the sea, possibly wounded from a crossbow bolt to the eye or pulled down by a grapnel. Survivors said he struggled in the rigging of a burning galley and sank with it. Jacaerys leapt free, but was then killed by [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

North and south of Dragonstone, the battle continued into nighttime. The southern squadron bypassed Dragonstone, believing that it was too strong to assault, and instead attacked [[Driftmark]], setting afire the harbor of [[Spicetown]] with fire ships. The town was sacked, with its inhabitants butchered and left as carrion. [[High Tide]] and the treasures of Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] were burned by Myrish and [[Tyrosh]]i soldiers, with the Sea Snake's servants cut down as they fled.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}<ref group="N">Given that Hull on the north side of Driftmark was undamaged, the Triarchy's north pincer never made landfall. Dragonstone is northeast of Driftmark, so it stands to reason that the north pincer would be the one first intercepted by the five dragons approaching from the north. While they were preoccupied with the north pincer, however, the south pincer was able to directly attack Spicetown and land troops there.</ref>

==Aftermath==
[[File:Addam and Corlys Velaryon by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|300px|right|Addam and Corlys Velaryon in the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, by [https://riotarttherite.tumblr.com/ Riotarttherite]]]
Thousands died from the battle, and [[Spicetown]] was never rebuilt. The Velaryon fleet lost almost a third of its strength. Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] and his dragon [[Vermax]] were killed, and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] was taken captive,{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} but presumed dead by both sides. Prince Aegon the Younger never forgave himself for abandoning his little brother.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

[[The Testimony of Mushroom|According]] to [[Mushroom]], [[Hugh Hammer|Hugh the Hammer]] and [[Ulf the White]] celebrated their participation. [[Nettles]] and [[Addam Velaryon]] were heavily affected, with the latter seeking out the Sea Snake, though what they spoke to each other remains unknown.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Many people on Dragonstone came to resent Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] for kin they had lost during the battle.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Only twenty-eight of the ninety ships commanded by [[Sharako Lohar]] returned home, and only three of those were not crewed by [[Lys]]eni.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} The Gullet was considered a disaster by the Triarchy.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} The Myrish and Tyroshi widows accused Sharako of sending their fleets to destruction while holding back his own Lysene ships, thus beginning a quarrel that would eventually lead to the [[Daughters' War]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} A disgraced Sharako discretely sold the captive Viserys to Magister [[Bambarro Bazanne]] of Lys.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

Ultimately the battle was very costly for both sides, and could be considered both a tactical victory for the greens and a strategic win for the blacks. Whereas the death of Prince Jacaerys deprived the blacks of one of their own commanders and Queen Rhaenyra of her eldest heir, the greens had failed in their main goal: to break the hold of the Velaryon fleet on the east coasts of Westeros. Moreover, the greens' allies in the southern Free Cities took such heavy losses that they played no further part in the war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|If this be victory, I pray I never win another.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Corlys Velaryon]]}}

==Gallery==
<gallery widths=400px heights=250px>
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 1.png|Triarchy fleet loops around to attack from the east out of the rising sun.
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 2.png|Vermax and four new dragons surprise the closer north pincer of Triarchy before it can reach Hull, but south pincer reaches Spicetown.
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 3.png|Dragons move on to south pincer; Velaryon fleet rallies but Vermax is killed. What is left of Triarchy fleet limps away at dusk.

</gallery>

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

{{Dance of the Dragons}}

[[Category:Battles|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Dance of the Dragons|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Crownlands|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:House Targaryen battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:House Velaryon battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:Lys]]
[[Category:Myr]]
[[Category:Tyrosh]]

[[es:Batalla del Gaznate]]
[[fr:Bataille du Gosier]]
[[ru:Битва при Глотке]]

Battle of the Gullet

2026-05-27T02:44:48Z

The Dragon Demands:

{{Battlebox
| image =
| caption =
| battle_name = Battle of the Gullet
| conflict = [[Dance of the Dragons]]
| date = 5th day of the 1st moon of {{Date|130}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| place = [[Gullet]]
| result = Sack of [[Driftmark]] [[Triarchy]]'s involvement with the war ends
| colour_scheme =
| combatant1 = [[File:House Targaryen (Rhaenyra).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Blacks]]'''
*[[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] [[House Velaryon]]
| combatant2 = [[File:House Targaryen (Aegon II).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Greens]]'''
*[[Triarchy]]
| commander1 = [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]
| commander2 = Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]]
| strength1 = [[House Velaryon]] fleet Jacaerys Velaryon (on [[Vermax]]†) [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]] (on [[Stormcloud]]†) [[Ulf White]] (on [[Silverwing]]) [[Nettles]] (on [[Sheepstealer]]) [[Addam Velaryon]] (on [[Seasmoke]]) [[Hugh Hammer]] (on [[Vermithor]])
| strength2 = 90 warships
| casualties1 = [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] (POW) [[Vermax]]† [[Stormcloud]]† 33% of the [[Velaryon fleet]] lost
| casualties2 = 62 warships lost
}}

The '''Battle of the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} also called the '''Battle in the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} was a battle that took place in the [[Gullet]] in {{Date|130}}<ref group="N">''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' includes the Battle of the Gullet among the Battles of 129, but George R. R. Martin [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/152215-fire-and-blood-excerpt/&page=24&tab=comments#comment-8264969 settled for early 130] in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.</ref> during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. It remains among the bloodiest sea battles in all of history.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Prelude==
[[House Velaryon]] blockaded the [[Gullet]] and controlled access to [[Blackwater Bay]] at the start of the civil war. After the [[assault on Harrenhal]] by Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and further blows to the [[greens]], Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]] to [[Aegon II Targaryen]], hatched a plan to break the [[Velaryon fleet]]'s blockade. Otto reached out across the [[narrow sea]] to enemies of Prince Daemon, the [[Triarchy]], hoping to persuade them to move against the Sea Snake, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]. Otto's plan took time and Aegon II eventually ran out of patience with his grandfather's prevarications, replacing him as Hand with Ser [[Criston Cole]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

The schemes of Otto eventually bore fruit, as the [[High Council of the Triarchy]] accepted his offer of alliance in [[Tyrosh]]. Ninety warships, commanded by Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]] of [[Lys]], swept from the [[Stepstones]] under the banners of the Three Daughters, bending their oars for the Gullet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Meanwhile on [[Dragonstone]], it was decided by Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] that his half-brothers, Princes [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], would be [[Fosterage|fostered]] with the [[Prince of Pentos]] until their mother, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], had secured the [[Iron Throne]]. The princes departed on a [[Pentos]]hi cog, the ''[[Gay Abandon]]'', towards the end of {{Date|129}}. The Sea Snake sent seven of his warships with them as escort.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

''Gay Abandon'' encountered the Triarchy's fleet, which had sailed up to the Gullet. The ''Gay Abandon'' was taken captive and her escorts sunk or captured. Possessed only of a [[dragon egg]], Viserys had no way of escaping from the cog and was made captive by a [[Tyrosh]]i captain. Aegon escaped the ''Gay Abandon'' on his young [[dragon]], [[Stormcloud]]. Sailors attempted to bring them down and Stormcloud was wounded by arrows and scorpion bolts. Nevertheless, they flew to Dragonstone, where Aegon delivered the news of the threat from the east. Stormcloud died at Dragonstone from his wounds.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Battle==
[[File:Aegon and Viserys at the Battle of the Gullet by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|right|350px|[[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] at the Battle of the Gullet, by Jota Saraiva]]
Battle began on the fifth day of the new year, {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} [[Sharako Lohar]] divided the [[Triarchy]]'s ships into two squadrons entering the [[Gullet]] to the north and south of [[Dragonstone]]. They attacked at sunrise from the east, surprising [[House Velaryon]]'s fleet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}<ref group="N">Tyrosh and Myr are south of the Gullet: the Triarchy fleet intentionally sailed north past Pentos so it could attack directly from the east at dawn, so the sunrise would hide their approach.</ref>

Flying on [[Vermax]] to meet the fleet of the Triarchy, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] swept down upon a line of [[Lys]]ene galleys. The sailors had experience fighting Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and his dragon, [[Caraxes]], during the [[war for the Stepstones]], so their captains directed their spears and arrows against Jacaerys. One ship caught on fire and then another, however. When Jacaerys was joined by [[Ulf the White]] on [[Silverwing]], [[Nettles]] on [[Sheepstealer]], [[Addam Velaryon]] on [[Seasmoke]], and [[Hugh Hammer]] on [[Vermithor]], the line of warships from the [[Free Cities]] shattered as one galley after another turned away.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Vermax flew too low, however, and crashed down into the sea, possibly wounded from a crossbow bolt to the eye or pulled down by a grapnel. Survivors said he struggled in the rigging of a burning galley and sank with it. Jacaerys leapt free, but was then killed by [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

North and south of Dragonstone, the battle continued into nighttime. The southern squadron bypassed Dragonstone, believing that it was too strong to assault, and instead attacked [[Driftmark]], setting afire the harbor of [[Spicetown]] with fire ships. The town was sacked, with its inhabitants butchered and left as carrion. [[High Tide]] and the treasures of Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] were burned by Myrish and [[Tyrosh]]i soldiers, with the Sea Snake's servants cut down as they fled.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}<ref group="N">Given that Hull on the north side of Driftmark was undamaged, the Triarchy's north pincer never made landfall. Dragonstone is northeast of Driftmark, so it stands to reason that the north pincer would be the one first intercepted by the five dragons approaching from the north. However, this gave time for the south pincer to directly attack Spicetown and land troops there.</ref>

==Aftermath==
[[File:Addam and Corlys Velaryon by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|300px|right|Addam and Corlys Velaryon in the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, by [https://riotarttherite.tumblr.com/ Riotarttherite]]]
Thousands died from the battle, and [[Spicetown]] was never rebuilt. The Velaryon fleet lost almost a third of its strength. Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] and his dragon [[Vermax]] were killed, and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] was taken captive,{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} but presumed dead by both sides. Prince Aegon the Younger never forgave himself for abandoning his little brother.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

[[The Testimony of Mushroom|According]] to [[Mushroom]], [[Hugh Hammer|Hugh the Hammer]] and [[Ulf the White]] celebrated their participation. [[Nettles]] and [[Addam Velaryon]] were heavily affected, with the latter seeking out the Sea Snake, though what they spoke to each other remains unknown.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Many people on Dragonstone came to resent Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] for kin they had lost during the battle.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Only twenty-eight of the ninety ships commanded by [[Sharako Lohar]] returned home, and only three of those were not crewed by [[Lys]]eni.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} The Gullet was considered a disaster by the Triarchy.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} The Myrish and Tyroshi widows accused Sharako of sending their fleets to destruction while holding back his own Lysene ships, thus beginning a quarrel that would eventually lead to the [[Daughters' War]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} A disgraced Sharako discretely sold the captive Viserys to Magister [[Bambarro Bazanne]] of Lys.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

Ultimately the battle was very costly for both sides, and could be considered both a tactical victory for the greens and a strategic win for the blacks. Whereas the death of Prince Jacaerys deprived the blacks of one of their own commanders and Queen Rhaenyra of her eldest heir, the greens had failed in their main goal: to break the hold of the Velaryon fleet on the east coasts of Westeros. Moreover, the greens' allies in the southern Free Cities took such heavy losses that they played no further part in the war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|If this be victory, I pray I never win another.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Corlys Velaryon]]}}

==Gallery==
<gallery widths=400px heights=250px>
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 1.png|Triarchy fleet loops around to attack from the east out of the rising sun.
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 2.png|Vermax and four new dragons surprise the closer north pincer of Triarchy before it can reach Hull, but south pincer reaches Spicetown.
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 3.png|Dragons move on to south pincer; Velaryon fleet rallies but Vermax is killed. What is left of Triarchy fleet limps away at dusk.

</gallery>

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

{{Dance of the Dragons}}

[[Category:Battles|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Dance of the Dragons|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Crownlands|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:House Targaryen battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:House Velaryon battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:Lys]]
[[Category:Myr]]
[[Category:Tyrosh]]

[[es:Batalla del Gaznate]]
[[fr:Bataille du Gosier]]
[[ru:Битва при Глотке]]

Battle of the Gullet

2026-05-27T02:38:02Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Gallery */

{{Battlebox
| image =
| caption =
| battle_name = Battle of the Gullet
| conflict = [[Dance of the Dragons]]
| date = 5th day of the 1st moon of {{Date|130}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| place = [[Gullet]]
| result = Sack of [[Driftmark]] [[Triarchy]]'s involvement with the war ends
| colour_scheme =
| combatant1 = [[File:House Targaryen (Rhaenyra).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Blacks]]'''
*[[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] [[House Velaryon]]
| combatant2 = [[File:House Targaryen (Aegon II).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Greens]]'''
*[[Triarchy]]
| commander1 = [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]
| commander2 = Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]]
| strength1 = [[House Velaryon]] fleet Jacaerys Velaryon (on [[Vermax]]†) [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]] (on [[Stormcloud]]†) [[Ulf White]] (on [[Silverwing]]) [[Nettles]] (on [[Sheepstealer]]) [[Addam Velaryon]] (on [[Seasmoke]]) [[Hugh Hammer]] (on [[Vermithor]])
| strength2 = 90 warships
| casualties1 = [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] (POW) [[Vermax]]† [[Stormcloud]]† 33% of the [[Velaryon fleet]] lost
| casualties2 = 62 warships lost
}}

The '''Battle of the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} also called the '''Battle in the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} was a battle that took place in the [[Gullet]] in {{Date|130}}<ref group="N">''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' includes the Battle of the Gullet among the Battles of 129, but George R. R. Martin [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/152215-fire-and-blood-excerpt/&page=24&tab=comments#comment-8264969 settled for early 130] in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.</ref> during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. It remains among the bloodiest sea battles in all of history.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Prelude==
[[House Velaryon]] blockaded the [[Gullet]] and controlled access to [[Blackwater Bay]] at the start of the civil war. After the [[assault on Harrenhal]] by Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and further blows to the [[greens]], Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]] to [[Aegon II Targaryen]], hatched a plan to break the [[Velaryon fleet]]'s blockade. Otto reached out across the [[narrow sea]] to enemies of Prince Daemon, the [[Triarchy]], hoping to persuade them to move against the Sea Snake, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]. Otto's plan took time and Aegon II eventually ran out of patience with his grandfather's prevarications, replacing him as Hand with Ser [[Criston Cole]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

The schemes of Otto eventually bore fruit, as the [[High Council of the Triarchy]] accepted his offer of alliance in [[Tyrosh]]. Ninety warships, commanded by Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]] of [[Lys]], swept from the [[Stepstones]] under the banners of the Three Daughters, bending their oars for the Gullet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Meanwhile on [[Dragonstone]], it was decided by Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] that his half-brothers, Princes [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], would be [[Fosterage|fostered]] with the [[Prince of Pentos]] until their mother, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], had secured the [[Iron Throne]]. The princes departed on a [[Pentos]]hi cog, the ''[[Gay Abandon]]'', towards the end of {{Date|129}}. The Sea Snake sent seven of his warships with them as escort.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

''Gay Abandon'' encountered the Triarchy's fleet, which had sailed up to the Gullet. The ''Gay Abandon'' was taken captive and her escorts sunk or captured. Possessed only of a [[dragon egg]], Viserys had no way of escaping from the cog and was made captive by a [[Tyrosh]]i captain. Aegon escaped the ''Gay Abandon'' on his young [[dragon]], [[Stormcloud]]. Sailors attempted to bring them down and Stormcloud was wounded by arrows and scorpion bolts. Nevertheless, they flew to Dragonstone, where Aegon delivered the news of the threat from the east. Stormcloud died at Dragonstone from his wounds.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Battle==
[[File:Aegon and Viserys at the Battle of the Gullet by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|right|350px|[[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] at the Battle of the Gullet, by Jota Saraiva]]
Battle began on the fifth day of the new year, {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} [[Sharako Lohar]] divided the [[Triarchy]]'s ships into two squadrons entering the [[Gullet]] to the north and south of [[Dragonstone]]. They attacked at sunrise, surprising [[House Velaryon]]'s fleet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Flying on [[Vermax]] to meet the fleet of the Triarchy, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] swept down upon a line of [[Lys]]ene galleys. The sailors had experience fighting Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and his dragon, [[Caraxes]], during the [[war for the Stepstones]], so their captains directed their spears and arrows against Jacaerys. One ship caught on fire and then another, however. When Jacaerys was joined by [[Ulf the White]] on [[Silverwing]], [[Nettles]] on [[Sheepstealer]], [[Addam Velaryon]] on [[Seasmoke]], and [[Hugh Hammer]] on [[Vermithor]], the line of warships from the [[Free Cities]] shattered as one galley after another turned away.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Vermax flew too low, however, and crashed down into the sea, possibly wounded from a crossbow bolt to the eye or pulled down by a grapnel. Survivors said he struggled in the rigging of a burning galley and sank with it. Jacaerys leapt free, but was then killed by [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

North and south of Dragonstone, the battle continued into nighttime. The southern squadron bypassed Dragonstone, believing that it was too strong to assault, and instead attacked [[Driftmark]], setting afire the harbor of [[Spicetown]] with fire ships. The town was sacked, with its inhabitants butchered and left as carrion. [[High Tide]] and the treasures of Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] were burned by Myrish and [[Tyrosh]]i soldiers, with the Sea Snake's servants cut down as they fled.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Aftermath==
[[File:Addam and Corlys Velaryon by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|300px|right|Addam and Corlys Velaryon in the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, by [https://riotarttherite.tumblr.com/ Riotarttherite]]]
Thousands died from the battle, and [[Spicetown]] was never rebuilt. The Velaryon fleet lost almost a third of its strength. Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] and his dragon [[Vermax]] were killed, and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] was taken captive,{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} but presumed dead by both sides. Prince Aegon the Younger never forgave himself for abandoning his little brother.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

[[The Testimony of Mushroom|According]] to [[Mushroom]], [[Hugh Hammer|Hugh the Hammer]] and [[Ulf the White]] celebrated their participation. [[Nettles]] and [[Addam Velaryon]] were heavily affected, with the latter seeking out the Sea Snake, though what they spoke to each other remains unknown.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Many people on Dragonstone came to resent Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] for kin they had lost during the battle.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Only twenty-eight of the ninety ships commanded by [[Sharako Lohar]] returned home, and only three of those were not crewed by [[Lys]]eni.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} The Gullet was considered a disaster by the Triarchy.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} The Myrish and Tyroshi widows accused Sharako of sending their fleets to destruction while holding back his own Lysene ships, thus beginning a quarrel that would eventually lead to the [[Daughters' War]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} A disgraced Sharako discretely sold the captive Viserys to Magister [[Bambarro Bazanne]] of Lys.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

Ultimately the battle was very costly for both sides, and could be considered both a tactical victory for the greens and a strategic win for the blacks. Whereas the death of Prince Jacaerys deprived the blacks of one of their own commanders and Queen Rhaenyra of her eldest heir, the greens had failed in their main goal: to break the hold of the Velaryon fleet on the east coasts of Westeros. Moreover, the greens' allies in the southern Free Cities took such heavy losses that they played no further part in the war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|If this be victory, I pray I never win another.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Corlys Velaryon]]}}

==Gallery==
<gallery widths=400px heights=250px>
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 1.png|Triarchy fleet loops around to attack from the east out of the rising sun.
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 2.png|Vermax and four new dragons surprise the closer north pincer of Triarchy before it can reach Hull, but south pincer reaches Spicetown.
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 3.png|Dragons move on to south pincer; Velaryon fleet rallies but Vermax is killed. What is left of Triarchy fleet limps away at dusk.

</gallery>

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

{{Dance of the Dragons}}

[[Category:Battles|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Dance of the Dragons|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Crownlands|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:House Targaryen battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:House Velaryon battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:Lys]]
[[Category:Myr]]
[[Category:Tyrosh]]

[[es:Batalla del Gaznate]]
[[fr:Bataille du Gosier]]
[[ru:Битва при Глотке]]

Battle of the Gullet

2026-05-27T02:37:22Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Gallery */

{{Battlebox
| image =
| caption =
| battle_name = Battle of the Gullet
| conflict = [[Dance of the Dragons]]
| date = 5th day of the 1st moon of {{Date|130}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| place = [[Gullet]]
| result = Sack of [[Driftmark]] [[Triarchy]]'s involvement with the war ends
| colour_scheme =
| combatant1 = [[File:House Targaryen (Rhaenyra).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Blacks]]'''
*[[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] [[House Velaryon]]
| combatant2 = [[File:House Targaryen (Aegon II).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Greens]]'''
*[[Triarchy]]
| commander1 = [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]
| commander2 = Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]]
| strength1 = [[House Velaryon]] fleet Jacaerys Velaryon (on [[Vermax]]†) [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]] (on [[Stormcloud]]†) [[Ulf White]] (on [[Silverwing]]) [[Nettles]] (on [[Sheepstealer]]) [[Addam Velaryon]] (on [[Seasmoke]]) [[Hugh Hammer]] (on [[Vermithor]])
| strength2 = 90 warships
| casualties1 = [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] (POW) [[Vermax]]† [[Stormcloud]]† 33% of the [[Velaryon fleet]] lost
| casualties2 = 62 warships lost
}}

The '''Battle of the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} also called the '''Battle in the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} was a battle that took place in the [[Gullet]] in {{Date|130}}<ref group="N">''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' includes the Battle of the Gullet among the Battles of 129, but George R. R. Martin [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/152215-fire-and-blood-excerpt/&page=24&tab=comments#comment-8264969 settled for early 130] in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.</ref> during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. It remains among the bloodiest sea battles in all of history.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Prelude==
[[House Velaryon]] blockaded the [[Gullet]] and controlled access to [[Blackwater Bay]] at the start of the civil war. After the [[assault on Harrenhal]] by Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and further blows to the [[greens]], Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]] to [[Aegon II Targaryen]], hatched a plan to break the [[Velaryon fleet]]'s blockade. Otto reached out across the [[narrow sea]] to enemies of Prince Daemon, the [[Triarchy]], hoping to persuade them to move against the Sea Snake, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]. Otto's plan took time and Aegon II eventually ran out of patience with his grandfather's prevarications, replacing him as Hand with Ser [[Criston Cole]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

The schemes of Otto eventually bore fruit, as the [[High Council of the Triarchy]] accepted his offer of alliance in [[Tyrosh]]. Ninety warships, commanded by Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]] of [[Lys]], swept from the [[Stepstones]] under the banners of the Three Daughters, bending their oars for the Gullet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Meanwhile on [[Dragonstone]], it was decided by Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] that his half-brothers, Princes [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], would be [[Fosterage|fostered]] with the [[Prince of Pentos]] until their mother, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], had secured the [[Iron Throne]]. The princes departed on a [[Pentos]]hi cog, the ''[[Gay Abandon]]'', towards the end of {{Date|129}}. The Sea Snake sent seven of his warships with them as escort.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

''Gay Abandon'' encountered the Triarchy's fleet, which had sailed up to the Gullet. The ''Gay Abandon'' was taken captive and her escorts sunk or captured. Possessed only of a [[dragon egg]], Viserys had no way of escaping from the cog and was made captive by a [[Tyrosh]]i captain. Aegon escaped the ''Gay Abandon'' on his young [[dragon]], [[Stormcloud]]. Sailors attempted to bring them down and Stormcloud was wounded by arrows and scorpion bolts. Nevertheless, they flew to Dragonstone, where Aegon delivered the news of the threat from the east. Stormcloud died at Dragonstone from his wounds.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Battle==
[[File:Aegon and Viserys at the Battle of the Gullet by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|right|350px|[[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] at the Battle of the Gullet, by Jota Saraiva]]
Battle began on the fifth day of the new year, {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} [[Sharako Lohar]] divided the [[Triarchy]]'s ships into two squadrons entering the [[Gullet]] to the north and south of [[Dragonstone]]. They attacked at sunrise, surprising [[House Velaryon]]'s fleet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Flying on [[Vermax]] to meet the fleet of the Triarchy, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] swept down upon a line of [[Lys]]ene galleys. The sailors had experience fighting Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and his dragon, [[Caraxes]], during the [[war for the Stepstones]], so their captains directed their spears and arrows against Jacaerys. One ship caught on fire and then another, however. When Jacaerys was joined by [[Ulf the White]] on [[Silverwing]], [[Nettles]] on [[Sheepstealer]], [[Addam Velaryon]] on [[Seasmoke]], and [[Hugh Hammer]] on [[Vermithor]], the line of warships from the [[Free Cities]] shattered as one galley after another turned away.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Vermax flew too low, however, and crashed down into the sea, possibly wounded from a crossbow bolt to the eye or pulled down by a grapnel. Survivors said he struggled in the rigging of a burning galley and sank with it. Jacaerys leapt free, but was then killed by [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

North and south of Dragonstone, the battle continued into nighttime. The southern squadron bypassed Dragonstone, believing that it was too strong to assault, and instead attacked [[Driftmark]], setting afire the harbor of [[Spicetown]] with fire ships. The town was sacked, with its inhabitants butchered and left as carrion. [[High Tide]] and the treasures of Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] were burned by Myrish and [[Tyrosh]]i soldiers, with the Sea Snake's servants cut down as they fled.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Aftermath==
[[File:Addam and Corlys Velaryon by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|300px|right|Addam and Corlys Velaryon in the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, by [https://riotarttherite.tumblr.com/ Riotarttherite]]]
Thousands died from the battle, and [[Spicetown]] was never rebuilt. The Velaryon fleet lost almost a third of its strength. Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] and his dragon [[Vermax]] were killed, and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] was taken captive,{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} but presumed dead by both sides. Prince Aegon the Younger never forgave himself for abandoning his little brother.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

[[The Testimony of Mushroom|According]] to [[Mushroom]], [[Hugh Hammer|Hugh the Hammer]] and [[Ulf the White]] celebrated their participation. [[Nettles]] and [[Addam Velaryon]] were heavily affected, with the latter seeking out the Sea Snake, though what they spoke to each other remains unknown.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Many people on Dragonstone came to resent Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] for kin they had lost during the battle.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Only twenty-eight of the ninety ships commanded by [[Sharako Lohar]] returned home, and only three of those were not crewed by [[Lys]]eni.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} The Gullet was considered a disaster by the Triarchy.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} The Myrish and Tyroshi widows accused Sharako of sending their fleets to destruction while holding back his own Lysene ships, thus beginning a quarrel that would eventually lead to the [[Daughters' War]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} A disgraced Sharako discretely sold the captive Viserys to Magister [[Bambarro Bazanne]] of Lys.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

Ultimately the battle was very costly for both sides, and could be considered both a tactical victory for the greens and a strategic win for the blacks. Whereas the death of Prince Jacaerys deprived the blacks of one of their own commanders and Queen Rhaenyra of her eldest heir, the greens had failed in their main goal: to break the hold of the Velaryon fleet on the east coasts of Westeros. Moreover, the greens' allies in the southern Free Cities took such heavy losses that they played no further part in the war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|If this be victory, I pray I never win another.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Corlys Velaryon]]}}

==Gallery==
<gallery widths=400px heights=250px>
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 1.png|Triarchy fleet loops around to attack from the east out of the rising sun
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 2.png|Vermax and four new dragons surprise the closer north pincer of Triarchy before it can reach Hull, but south pincer reaches Spicetown
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 3.png|Dragons move on to south pincer; Velaryon fleet rallies but Vermax is killed. What is left of Triarchy fleet limps away at dusk

</gallery>

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

{{Dance of the Dragons}}

[[Category:Battles|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Dance of the Dragons|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Crownlands|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:House Targaryen battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:House Velaryon battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:Lys]]
[[Category:Myr]]
[[Category:Tyrosh]]

[[es:Batalla del Gaznate]]
[[fr:Bataille du Gosier]]
[[ru:Битва при Глотке]]

Battle of the Gullet

2026-05-27T02:34:36Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Gallery */

{{Battlebox
| image =
| caption =
| battle_name = Battle of the Gullet
| conflict = [[Dance of the Dragons]]
| date = 5th day of the 1st moon of {{Date|130}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| place = [[Gullet]]
| result = Sack of [[Driftmark]] [[Triarchy]]'s involvement with the war ends
| colour_scheme =
| combatant1 = [[File:House Targaryen (Rhaenyra).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Blacks]]'''
*[[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] [[House Velaryon]]
| combatant2 = [[File:House Targaryen (Aegon II).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Greens]]'''
*[[Triarchy]]
| commander1 = [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]
| commander2 = Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]]
| strength1 = [[House Velaryon]] fleet Jacaerys Velaryon (on [[Vermax]]†) [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]] (on [[Stormcloud]]†) [[Ulf White]] (on [[Silverwing]]) [[Nettles]] (on [[Sheepstealer]]) [[Addam Velaryon]] (on [[Seasmoke]]) [[Hugh Hammer]] (on [[Vermithor]])
| strength2 = 90 warships
| casualties1 = [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] (POW) [[Vermax]]† [[Stormcloud]]† 33% of the [[Velaryon fleet]] lost
| casualties2 = 62 warships lost
}}

The '''Battle of the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} also called the '''Battle in the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} was a battle that took place in the [[Gullet]] in {{Date|130}}<ref group="N">''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' includes the Battle of the Gullet among the Battles of 129, but George R. R. Martin [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/152215-fire-and-blood-excerpt/&page=24&tab=comments#comment-8264969 settled for early 130] in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.</ref> during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. It remains among the bloodiest sea battles in all of history.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Prelude==
[[House Velaryon]] blockaded the [[Gullet]] and controlled access to [[Blackwater Bay]] at the start of the civil war. After the [[assault on Harrenhal]] by Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and further blows to the [[greens]], Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]] to [[Aegon II Targaryen]], hatched a plan to break the [[Velaryon fleet]]'s blockade. Otto reached out across the [[narrow sea]] to enemies of Prince Daemon, the [[Triarchy]], hoping to persuade them to move against the Sea Snake, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]. Otto's plan took time and Aegon II eventually ran out of patience with his grandfather's prevarications, replacing him as Hand with Ser [[Criston Cole]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

The schemes of Otto eventually bore fruit, as the [[High Council of the Triarchy]] accepted his offer of alliance in [[Tyrosh]]. Ninety warships, commanded by Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]] of [[Lys]], swept from the [[Stepstones]] under the banners of the Three Daughters, bending their oars for the Gullet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Meanwhile on [[Dragonstone]], it was decided by Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] that his half-brothers, Princes [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], would be [[Fosterage|fostered]] with the [[Prince of Pentos]] until their mother, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], had secured the [[Iron Throne]]. The princes departed on a [[Pentos]]hi cog, the ''[[Gay Abandon]]'', towards the end of {{Date|129}}. The Sea Snake sent seven of his warships with them as escort.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

''Gay Abandon'' encountered the Triarchy's fleet, which had sailed up to the Gullet. The ''Gay Abandon'' was taken captive and her escorts sunk or captured. Possessed only of a [[dragon egg]], Viserys had no way of escaping from the cog and was made captive by a [[Tyrosh]]i captain. Aegon escaped the ''Gay Abandon'' on his young [[dragon]], [[Stormcloud]]. Sailors attempted to bring them down and Stormcloud was wounded by arrows and scorpion bolts. Nevertheless, they flew to Dragonstone, where Aegon delivered the news of the threat from the east. Stormcloud died at Dragonstone from his wounds.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Battle==
[[File:Aegon and Viserys at the Battle of the Gullet by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|right|350px|[[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] at the Battle of the Gullet, by Jota Saraiva]]
Battle began on the fifth day of the new year, {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} [[Sharako Lohar]] divided the [[Triarchy]]'s ships into two squadrons entering the [[Gullet]] to the north and south of [[Dragonstone]]. They attacked at sunrise, surprising [[House Velaryon]]'s fleet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Flying on [[Vermax]] to meet the fleet of the Triarchy, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] swept down upon a line of [[Lys]]ene galleys. The sailors had experience fighting Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and his dragon, [[Caraxes]], during the [[war for the Stepstones]], so their captains directed their spears and arrows against Jacaerys. One ship caught on fire and then another, however. When Jacaerys was joined by [[Ulf the White]] on [[Silverwing]], [[Nettles]] on [[Sheepstealer]], [[Addam Velaryon]] on [[Seasmoke]], and [[Hugh Hammer]] on [[Vermithor]], the line of warships from the [[Free Cities]] shattered as one galley after another turned away.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Vermax flew too low, however, and crashed down into the sea, possibly wounded from a crossbow bolt to the eye or pulled down by a grapnel. Survivors said he struggled in the rigging of a burning galley and sank with it. Jacaerys leapt free, but was then killed by [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

North and south of Dragonstone, the battle continued into nighttime. The southern squadron bypassed Dragonstone, believing that it was too strong to assault, and instead attacked [[Driftmark]], setting afire the harbor of [[Spicetown]] with fire ships. The town was sacked, with its inhabitants butchered and left as carrion. [[High Tide]] and the treasures of Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] were burned by Myrish and [[Tyrosh]]i soldiers, with the Sea Snake's servants cut down as they fled.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Aftermath==
[[File:Addam and Corlys Velaryon by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|300px|right|Addam and Corlys Velaryon in the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, by [https://riotarttherite.tumblr.com/ Riotarttherite]]]
Thousands died from the battle, and [[Spicetown]] was never rebuilt. The Velaryon fleet lost almost a third of its strength. Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] and his dragon [[Vermax]] were killed, and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] was taken captive,{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} but presumed dead by both sides. Prince Aegon the Younger never forgave himself for abandoning his little brother.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

[[The Testimony of Mushroom|According]] to [[Mushroom]], [[Hugh Hammer|Hugh the Hammer]] and [[Ulf the White]] celebrated their participation. [[Nettles]] and [[Addam Velaryon]] were heavily affected, with the latter seeking out the Sea Snake, though what they spoke to each other remains unknown.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Many people on Dragonstone came to resent Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] for kin they had lost during the battle.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Only twenty-eight of the ninety ships commanded by [[Sharako Lohar]] returned home, and only three of those were not crewed by [[Lys]]eni.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} The Gullet was considered a disaster by the Triarchy.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} The Myrish and Tyroshi widows accused Sharako of sending their fleets to destruction while holding back his own Lysene ships, thus beginning a quarrel that would eventually lead to the [[Daughters' War]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} A disgraced Sharako discretely sold the captive Viserys to Magister [[Bambarro Bazanne]] of Lys.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

Ultimately the battle was very costly for both sides, and could be considered both a tactical victory for the greens and a strategic win for the blacks. Whereas the death of Prince Jacaerys deprived the blacks of one of their own commanders and Queen Rhaenyra of her eldest heir, the greens had failed in their main goal: to break the hold of the Velaryon fleet on the east coasts of Westeros. Moreover, the greens' allies in the southern Free Cities took such heavy losses that they played no further part in the war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|If this be victory, I pray I never win another.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Corlys Velaryon]]}}

==Gallery==
<gallery widths=400px heights=250px>
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 1.png|Triarchy fleet loops around to attack from the east out of the rising sun
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 2.png|
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 3.png|

</gallery>

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

{{Dance of the Dragons}}

[[Category:Battles|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Dance of the Dragons|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Crownlands|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:House Targaryen battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:House Velaryon battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:Lys]]
[[Category:Myr]]
[[Category:Tyrosh]]

[[es:Batalla del Gaznate]]
[[fr:Bataille du Gosier]]
[[ru:Битва при Глотке]]

Battle of the Gullet

2026-05-27T02:34:03Z

The Dragon Demands:

{{Battlebox
| image =
| caption =
| battle_name = Battle of the Gullet
| conflict = [[Dance of the Dragons]]
| date = 5th day of the 1st moon of {{Date|130}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| place = [[Gullet]]
| result = Sack of [[Driftmark]] [[Triarchy]]'s involvement with the war ends
| colour_scheme =
| combatant1 = [[File:House Targaryen (Rhaenyra).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Blacks]]'''
*[[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] [[House Velaryon]]
| combatant2 = [[File:House Targaryen (Aegon II).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Greens]]'''
*[[Triarchy]]
| commander1 = [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]
| commander2 = Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]]
| strength1 = [[House Velaryon]] fleet Jacaerys Velaryon (on [[Vermax]]†) [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]] (on [[Stormcloud]]†) [[Ulf White]] (on [[Silverwing]]) [[Nettles]] (on [[Sheepstealer]]) [[Addam Velaryon]] (on [[Seasmoke]]) [[Hugh Hammer]] (on [[Vermithor]])
| strength2 = 90 warships
| casualties1 = [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] (POW) [[Vermax]]† [[Stormcloud]]† 33% of the [[Velaryon fleet]] lost
| casualties2 = 62 warships lost
}}

The '''Battle of the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} also called the '''Battle in the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} was a battle that took place in the [[Gullet]] in {{Date|130}}<ref group="N">''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' includes the Battle of the Gullet among the Battles of 129, but George R. R. Martin [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/152215-fire-and-blood-excerpt/&page=24&tab=comments#comment-8264969 settled for early 130] in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.</ref> during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. It remains among the bloodiest sea battles in all of history.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Prelude==
[[House Velaryon]] blockaded the [[Gullet]] and controlled access to [[Blackwater Bay]] at the start of the civil war. After the [[assault on Harrenhal]] by Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and further blows to the [[greens]], Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]] to [[Aegon II Targaryen]], hatched a plan to break the [[Velaryon fleet]]'s blockade. Otto reached out across the [[narrow sea]] to enemies of Prince Daemon, the [[Triarchy]], hoping to persuade them to move against the Sea Snake, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]. Otto's plan took time and Aegon II eventually ran out of patience with his grandfather's prevarications, replacing him as Hand with Ser [[Criston Cole]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

The schemes of Otto eventually bore fruit, as the [[High Council of the Triarchy]] accepted his offer of alliance in [[Tyrosh]]. Ninety warships, commanded by Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]] of [[Lys]], swept from the [[Stepstones]] under the banners of the Three Daughters, bending their oars for the Gullet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Meanwhile on [[Dragonstone]], it was decided by Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] that his half-brothers, Princes [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], would be [[Fosterage|fostered]] with the [[Prince of Pentos]] until their mother, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], had secured the [[Iron Throne]]. The princes departed on a [[Pentos]]hi cog, the ''[[Gay Abandon]]'', towards the end of {{Date|129}}. The Sea Snake sent seven of his warships with them as escort.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

''Gay Abandon'' encountered the Triarchy's fleet, which had sailed up to the Gullet. The ''Gay Abandon'' was taken captive and her escorts sunk or captured. Possessed only of a [[dragon egg]], Viserys had no way of escaping from the cog and was made captive by a [[Tyrosh]]i captain. Aegon escaped the ''Gay Abandon'' on his young [[dragon]], [[Stormcloud]]. Sailors attempted to bring them down and Stormcloud was wounded by arrows and scorpion bolts. Nevertheless, they flew to Dragonstone, where Aegon delivered the news of the threat from the east. Stormcloud died at Dragonstone from his wounds.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Battle==
[[File:Aegon and Viserys at the Battle of the Gullet by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|right|350px|[[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] at the Battle of the Gullet, by Jota Saraiva]]
Battle began on the fifth day of the new year, {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} [[Sharako Lohar]] divided the [[Triarchy]]'s ships into two squadrons entering the [[Gullet]] to the north and south of [[Dragonstone]]. They attacked at sunrise, surprising [[House Velaryon]]'s fleet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Flying on [[Vermax]] to meet the fleet of the Triarchy, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] swept down upon a line of [[Lys]]ene galleys. The sailors had experience fighting Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and his dragon, [[Caraxes]], during the [[war for the Stepstones]], so their captains directed their spears and arrows against Jacaerys. One ship caught on fire and then another, however. When Jacaerys was joined by [[Ulf the White]] on [[Silverwing]], [[Nettles]] on [[Sheepstealer]], [[Addam Velaryon]] on [[Seasmoke]], and [[Hugh Hammer]] on [[Vermithor]], the line of warships from the [[Free Cities]] shattered as one galley after another turned away.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Vermax flew too low, however, and crashed down into the sea, possibly wounded from a crossbow bolt to the eye or pulled down by a grapnel. Survivors said he struggled in the rigging of a burning galley and sank with it. Jacaerys leapt free, but was then killed by [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

North and south of Dragonstone, the battle continued into nighttime. The southern squadron bypassed Dragonstone, believing that it was too strong to assault, and instead attacked [[Driftmark]], setting afire the harbor of [[Spicetown]] with fire ships. The town was sacked, with its inhabitants butchered and left as carrion. [[High Tide]] and the treasures of Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] were burned by Myrish and [[Tyrosh]]i soldiers, with the Sea Snake's servants cut down as they fled.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Aftermath==
[[File:Addam and Corlys Velaryon by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|300px|right|Addam and Corlys Velaryon in the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, by [https://riotarttherite.tumblr.com/ Riotarttherite]]]
Thousands died from the battle, and [[Spicetown]] was never rebuilt. The Velaryon fleet lost almost a third of its strength. Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] and his dragon [[Vermax]] were killed, and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] was taken captive,{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} but presumed dead by both sides. Prince Aegon the Younger never forgave himself for abandoning his little brother.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

[[The Testimony of Mushroom|According]] to [[Mushroom]], [[Hugh Hammer|Hugh the Hammer]] and [[Ulf the White]] celebrated their participation. [[Nettles]] and [[Addam Velaryon]] were heavily affected, with the latter seeking out the Sea Snake, though what they spoke to each other remains unknown.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Many people on Dragonstone came to resent Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] for kin they had lost during the battle.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Only twenty-eight of the ninety ships commanded by [[Sharako Lohar]] returned home, and only three of those were not crewed by [[Lys]]eni.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} The Gullet was considered a disaster by the Triarchy.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} The Myrish and Tyroshi widows accused Sharako of sending their fleets to destruction while holding back his own Lysene ships, thus beginning a quarrel that would eventually lead to the [[Daughters' War]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} A disgraced Sharako discretely sold the captive Viserys to Magister [[Bambarro Bazanne]] of Lys.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

Ultimately the battle was very costly for both sides, and could be considered both a tactical victory for the greens and a strategic win for the blacks. Whereas the death of Prince Jacaerys deprived the blacks of one of their own commanders and Queen Rhaenyra of her eldest heir, the greens had failed in their main goal: to break the hold of the Velaryon fleet on the east coasts of Westeros. Moreover, the greens' allies in the southern Free Cities took such heavy losses that they played no further part in the war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|If this be victory, I pray I never win another.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Corlys Velaryon]]}}

==Gallery==
<gallery widths=400px heights=250px>
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 1.png|
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 2.png|
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 3.png|

</gallery>

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

{{Dance of the Dragons}}

[[Category:Battles|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Dance of the Dragons|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Crownlands|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:House Targaryen battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:House Velaryon battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:Lys]]
[[Category:Myr]]
[[Category:Tyrosh]]

[[es:Batalla del Gaznate]]
[[fr:Bataille du Gosier]]
[[ru:Битва при Глотке]]

Battle of the Honeywine

2026-05-27T02:33:29Z

The Dragon Demands:

{{Template:Battlebox
| image =
| caption =
| battle_name = Battle of the Honeywine
| conflict = [[Dance of the Dragons]]
| date = {{Date|130}}
| place = The banks of the [[Honeywine]]
| result = Victory for the [[greens]]
| colour_scheme =
| combatant1 = {{coa|Rhaenyra Targaryen|m}} '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Blacks]]'''
*{{coa-link|Beesbury|s}}
*{{coa-link|Caswell|s}}
*{{coa-link|Costayne|s}}
*{{coa-link|Rowan|s}}
*{{coa-link|Tarly|s}}
| combatant2 = {{coa|Aegon II Targaryen|m}} '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Greens]]'''
*{{coa-link|Hightower|s}}
*{{coa-link|Peake|s}}
*{{coa-link|Roxton|s}}
| commander1 = Northern force:

*{{coa|Rowan|s}} Lord [[Thaddeus Rowan]]
*[[Tom Flowers]]†
Southern force:
*{{coa|Beesbury|s}} Ser [[Alan Beesbury]]
*{{coa|Tarly|s}} Lord [[Alan Tarly]]
*{{coa|Costayne|s}} Lord [[Owen Costayne]]†
| commander2 = {{coa|Hightower|s}} Lord [[Ormund Hightower]] {{coa|Targaryen|s}} Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]]
| strength1 =
Northern force:
*nearly equal to Hightower host
Southern force:
*far smaller than Hightower host
| strength2 = less than 20,000
*1,000 [[knight]]s
*1,000 [[archer]]s
*3,000 [[men-at-arms]]
*Thousands of [[sellsword]]s and [[freerider]]s
*[[Tessarion]]
| casualties1 = Unknown but heavy (estimated) [[Tom Flowers]]† Lord [[Owen Costayne]]† Ser [[Alan Beesbury]] (captured) Lord [[Alan Tarly]] (captured)
| casualties2 = Unknown but heavy (estimated)
}}

The '''Battle of the Honeywine''' was one of many battles fought during the [[Dance of the Dragons]], the civil war between the [[greens]] of King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] and the [[blacks]] of Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] for control of the [[Iron Throne]] of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] after the death of their father, King [[Viserys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Prelude==
Given that [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s main supporters were [[House Hightower]], the family of his mother [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]], the [[greens]] assumed the lords and lands of the [[Reach]] would side with them. Instead, many of the major lords from the north and east of the Reach declared for [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and her [[blacks]], including Houses [[House Caswell|Caswell]], [[House Rowan|Rowan]], and [[House Tarly|Tarly]]. Several of the Hightowers' own vassals declared for Rhaenyra, such as Houses [[House Beesbury|Beesbury]] and [[House Costayne|Costayne]]. With the Reach divided between blacks and greens and Lord [[Lyonel Tyrell (lord)|Lyonel Tyrell]] of [[Highgarden]] only a baby, his regent mother declared [[House Tyrell]] neutral in the civil war. Instead of quickly marching armies from the Reach to join with the other green armies in the north to overwhelm the blacks, the Hightowers and their allies had to slowly fight through the Reach itself.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Following the early black victories in the [[riverlands]] at [[Assault on Harrenhal|Harrenhal]] and [[Battle of the Burning Mill|Stone Hedge]], Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]], sent messages to his nephew, Lord [[Ormund Hightower]], to deploy the large Hightower army to put down these rebellions in the Reach. Ormund assembled a great host and marched out of [[Oldtown]], only to be quickly set upon by black forces. While they were far outnumbered by the Hightower army, the black forces faced them from multiple directions, and used harassment tactics to slow their advance. Lord [[Alan Tarly]] and Ser [[Alan Beesbury]] (the "[[Two Alans]]") joined forces to raid Ormund's camps day and night, kill his scouts, and set fires in his line of march. Farther south, Lord [[Owen Costayne]] came up from [[Three Towers]] to harass the Hightowers' baggage train in their rear. These hit-and-run attacks from multiple directions lasted for several months, but the Hightowers failed to pin down the rebels.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

By late {{Date|129}}, worse news reached Ormund that a large host equal in size to his own was descending from north of the [[Mander]], led by [[Thaddeus Rowan]], [[Lord of Goldengrove]]. (The host apparently consisted of the combined strength of the Rowans, Caswells, and other blacks in the northern Reach). Faced with enemies in front and behind, rather than advance Ormund decided to halt and camp in a defensive position along the [[Honeywine]]. He remained there for several weeks, while sending messages to [[King's Landing]] urging King Aegon II and his brother Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] to send one of their [[dragon]]s to aid them. However, Aegon II had been badly injured at the [[Battle of Rook's Rest]], and the hot-heated Aemond decided that the greatest threat was from his uncle Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] at [[Harrenhal]], so he ignored Ormund's calls for aid and took [[Vhagar]] with his remaining army [[Aemond's march on Harrenhal|north into the riverlands]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

The Hightower army left Oldtown soon after the war began in the riverlands, around mid-{{Date|129}}, while Ormund halted his advance soon after the Battle of Rook's Rest in late {{Date|129}}. Rowan's army reached the Honeywine roughly three weeks into the new year {{Date|130}} ("a fortnight" after the [[Battle of the Gullet]], which took place on the fifth day of {{Date|130}}).{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==The Battle==
In the third week of the year {{Date|130}}, Ormund Hightower's army was caught between two armies while backed against the banks of the [[Honeywine]]. From the northeast, Lord [[Thaddeus Rowan]] and [[Tom Flowers]], the [[Bastard]] of [[Bitterbridge]], came in with a large host of mounted [[knight]]s. Ser [[Alan Beesbury]], Lord [[Alan Tarly]], and Lord [[Owen Costayne]] joined their smaller forces together and attacked the Hightowers from behind, cutting off their retreat south to Oldtown.{{Ref|TPATQ}}

Attacked from the front and the rear, Lord Hightower's lines were starting to crumble, and defeat seemed all but a foregone conclusion. Just then, a massive shadow appeared in the sky above them, Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]] on his dragon, [[Tessarion]]. It was then that the battle turned to the favor of Aegon II's forces, and the rout was underway with heavy losses in the retreat.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Tom Flowers was killed in the battle, and Lord [[Owen Costayne]] was mortally wounded by [[Jon Roxton]] wielding the [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Orphan-Maker]]. Both Alan Tarly and Alan Beesbury were taken captive. The only black commander who managed to escape was Thaddeus Rowan, who retreated north with the remains of his host.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Aftermath==
The battle was a significant blow to the blacks, ending their offensive operations in the Reach. In addition to their armies being destroyed, most of the major black commanders in the Reach were either killed or captured in the battle. Thaddeus Rowan was the only exception, though he also apparently bent the knee several months later.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Following only a fortnight after the devastating [[Battle of the Gullet]], Lord [[House Bar Emmon|Bar Emmon]] suggested that the time had come for a negotiated peace. Instead, the recent tragedies pushed [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] to make a risky strike on King's Landing itself, as Daemon's strategic plan had lured Aemond and most of the city's defenders into the riverlands.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

[[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]] was hailed as a hero that day, and knighted by Lord [[Ormund Hightower]] with the [[Valyrian steel]] longsword, [[Vigilance]]. Daeron was first called "Daeron the Daring" after the battle, though Daeron modestly said [[Tessarion]] was the true hero of the battle.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

The battle did, however, succeed in slowing the advance of the large Hightower army, indirectly preventing the greens in the Reach from aiding the greens to the north. The [[westerlands]]' armies were annihilated in the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]], while the green armies from the [[crownlands]] were destroyed in the [[Butcher's Ball]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

With young Tessarion now joining the Hightower army, none of the remaining blacks in the Reach could stand against them. Lord Ormund and Prince Daeron enforced the submission of the [[House Rowan|Rowans]] of [[Goldengrove]], the [[House Oakheart|Oakhearts]] of [[Old Oak]], and the lords of the [[Shield Islands]]. The Hightower army spent the next months slowly advancing up the [[Roseroad]], smashing any black forces that attempted to harass them. Daeron on Tessarion proved invaluable in scouting ahead of the main host from the air, to give them advance warning of enemy traps and ambushes.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Eventually they [[Siege of Longtable|besieged Longtable]], then [[Sack of Bitterbridge|sacked Bitterbridge]], where they crossed the Mander again and proceeded east towards King's Landing, leading to the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Numbers==
Lord Hightower left Oldtown with 1,000 [[knight]]s, 1,000 [[archer]]s, 3,000 [[men-at-arms]], and "untold thousands" of [[sellsword]]s, [[freerider]]s, [[camp follower]]s, and feudal levies.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} According to [[Grand Maester]] [[Munkun]], the Hightower host numbered nearly 20,000 later on at the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]], with almost a tenth of that number being composed of mounted [[knight]]s.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} It is unclear, however, how well this reflects the size of the original Hightower host: they took significant losses before Tessarion joined them, but it is also stated that the Hightower army added forces from lords who bent the knee along the way.

It's possible that quite a substantial proportion of the Hightower host that left Oldtown were mercenaries and feudal levies that [[Gyldayn]] simply glossed over. The historian also described the [[Battle at Rook's Rest]] by saying that Aegon II and Criston Cole had about 600 knights and men-at-arms, but also "thrice as many" mercenaries. The same one-to-three ratio might hold for the Hightower army: a core of 5,000 regular soldiers, and another 15,000 mercenaries and levies. It's possible that any defeated lords pressed into joining the Hightower host along the way simply evened out with prior losses they took on the campaign.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|My Lord is kind to say so, but the victory belongs to [[Tessarion]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]] responding to [[Ormund Hightower]]'s praises after the battle}}

==Gallery==
<gallery widths=400px heights=250px>
Battle of the Honeywine Prelude Map.png|Prelude: the Reach campaign begins with pro-Rhaenyra Houses harassing the Hightower army with hit-and-run attacks and scorched earth tactics
Battle_of_the_Honeywine_Map.png|Large armies of House Rowan and House Caswell advance south, while Tarly, Beesbury, and Costayne continue to harry the Hightowers' rear
Battle of the Honeywine Tactical Map.png|The Hightower army takes up a defensive position along the Honeywine, but are pinned between the larger northern armies and the southern ones cutting off their retreat
Battle of the Honeywine Tactical Map 2.png|Daeron arrives on his dragon Tessarion, hitting the smaller southern force in the rear to smash them against the Hightower host, then proceeds to scatter the northern army. Rowan retreats, the rest are killed or captured.
</gallery>

==References==
{{References}}

{{Dance of the Dragons}}

[[Category:Battles|Honeywine, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Dance of the Dragons|Honeywine, Battle of the]]
[[Category:The Reach]]
[[Category:House Beesbury battles|Honeywine]]
[[Category:House Caswell battles|Honeywine]]
[[Category:House Costayne battles|Honeywine]]
[[Category:House Hightower battles|Honeywine]]
[[Category:House Roxton battles|Honeywine]]
[[Category:House Rowan battles|Honeywine]]
[[Category:House Tarly battles|Honeywine]]
[[Category:House Targaryen battles|Honeywine]]

[[es:Batalla del Aguamiel]]
[[fr:Bataille de l'Hydromel]]
[[nl:Slag van de Honingweijn]]
[[pt:Batalha do Vinhomel]]
[[ru:Битва на Медовичке]]

Battle of the Gullet

2026-05-27T02:32:31Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Gallery */

{{Battlebox
| image =
| caption =
| battle_name = Battle of the Gullet
| conflict = [[Dance of the Dragons]]
| date = 5th day of the 1st moon of {{Date|130}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| place = [[Gullet]]
| result = Sack of [[Driftmark]] [[Triarchy]]'s involvement with the war ends
| colour_scheme =
| combatant1 = [[File:House Targaryen (Rhaenyra).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Blacks]]'''
*[[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] [[House Velaryon]]
| combatant2 = [[File:House Targaryen (Aegon II).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Greens]]'''
*[[Triarchy]]
| commander1 = [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]
| commander2 = Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]]
| strength1 = [[House Velaryon]] fleet Jacaerys Velaryon (on [[Vermax]]†) [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]] (on [[Stormcloud]]†) [[Ulf White]] (on [[Silverwing]]) [[Nettles]] (on [[Sheepstealer]]) [[Addam Velaryon]] (on [[Seasmoke]]) [[Hugh Hammer]] (on [[Vermithor]])
| strength2 = 90 warships
| casualties1 = [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] (POW) [[Vermax]]† [[Stormcloud]]† 33% of the [[Velaryon fleet]] lost
| casualties2 = 62 warships lost
}}

The '''Battle of the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} also called the '''Battle in the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} was a battle that took place in the [[Gullet]] in {{Date|130}}<ref group="N">''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' includes the Battle of the Gullet among the Battles of 129, but George R. R. Martin [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/152215-fire-and-blood-excerpt/&page=24&tab=comments#comment-8264969 settled for early 130] in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.</ref> during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. It remains among the bloodiest sea battles in all of history.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Prelude==
[[House Velaryon]] blockaded the [[Gullet]] and controlled access to [[Blackwater Bay]] at the start of the civil war. After the [[assault on Harrenhal]] by Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and further blows to the [[greens]], Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]] to [[Aegon II Targaryen]], hatched a plan to break the [[Velaryon fleet]]'s blockade. Otto reached out across the [[narrow sea]] to enemies of Prince Daemon, the [[Triarchy]], hoping to persuade them to move against the Sea Snake, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]. Otto's plan took time and Aegon II eventually ran out of patience with his grandfather's prevarications, replacing him as Hand with Ser [[Criston Cole]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

The schemes of Otto eventually bore fruit, as the [[High Council of the Triarchy]] accepted his offer of alliance in [[Tyrosh]]. Ninety warships, commanded by Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]] of [[Lys]], swept from the [[Stepstones]] under the banners of the Three Daughters, bending their oars for the Gullet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Meanwhile on [[Dragonstone]], it was decided by Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] that his half-brothers, Princes [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], would be [[Fosterage|fostered]] with the [[Prince of Pentos]] until their mother, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], had secured the [[Iron Throne]]. The princes departed on a [[Pentos]]hi cog, the ''[[Gay Abandon]]'', towards the end of {{Date|129}}. The Sea Snake sent seven of his warships with them as escort.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

''Gay Abandon'' encountered the Triarchy's fleet, which had sailed up to the Gullet. The ''Gay Abandon'' was taken captive and her escorts sunk or captured. Possessed only of a [[dragon egg]], Viserys had no way of escaping from the cog and was made captive by a [[Tyrosh]]i captain. Aegon escaped the ''Gay Abandon'' on his young [[dragon]], [[Stormcloud]]. Sailors attempted to bring them down and Stormcloud was wounded by arrows and scorpion bolts. Nevertheless, they flew to Dragonstone, where Aegon delivered the news of the threat from the east. Stormcloud died at Dragonstone from his wounds.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Battle==
[[File:Aegon and Viserys at the Battle of the Gullet by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|right|350px|[[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] at the Battle of the Gullet, by Jota Saraiva]]
Battle began on the fifth day of the new year, {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} [[Sharako Lohar]] divided the [[Triarchy]]'s ships into two squadrons entering the [[Gullet]] to the north and south of [[Dragonstone]]. They attacked at sunrise, surprising [[House Velaryon]]'s fleet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Flying on [[Vermax]] to meet the fleet of the Triarchy, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] swept down upon a line of [[Lys]]ene galleys. The sailors had experience fighting Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and his dragon, [[Caraxes]], during the [[war for the Stepstones]], so their captains directed their spears and arrows against Jacaerys. One ship caught on fire and then another, however. When Jacaerys was joined by [[Ulf the White]] on [[Silverwing]], [[Nettles]] on [[Sheepstealer]], [[Addam Velaryon]] on [[Seasmoke]], and [[Hugh Hammer]] on [[Vermithor]], the line of warships from the [[Free Cities]] shattered as one galley after another turned away.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Vermax flew too low, however, and crashed down into the sea, possibly wounded from a crossbow bolt to the eye or pulled down by a grapnel. Survivors said he struggled in the rigging of a burning galley and sank with it. Jacaerys leapt free, but was then killed by [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

North and south of Dragonstone, the battle continued into nighttime. The southern squadron bypassed Dragonstone, believing that it was too strong to assault, and instead attacked [[Driftmark]], setting afire the harbor of [[Spicetown]] with fire ships. The town was sacked, with its inhabitants butchered and left as carrion. [[High Tide]] and the treasures of Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] were burned by Myrish and [[Tyrosh]]i soldiers, with the Sea Snake's servants cut down as they fled.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Aftermath==
[[File:Addam and Corlys Velaryon by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|300px|right|Addam and Corlys Velaryon in the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, by [https://riotarttherite.tumblr.com/ Riotarttherite]]]
Thousands died from the battle, and [[Spicetown]] was never rebuilt. The Velaryon fleet lost almost a third of its strength. Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] and his dragon [[Vermax]] were killed, and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] was taken captive,{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} but presumed dead by both sides. Prince Aegon the Younger never forgave himself for abandoning his little brother.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

[[The Testimony of Mushroom|According]] to [[Mushroom]], [[Hugh Hammer|Hugh the Hammer]] and [[Ulf the White]] celebrated their participation. [[Nettles]] and [[Addam Velaryon]] were heavily affected, with the latter seeking out the Sea Snake, though what they spoke to each other remains unknown.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Many people on Dragonstone came to resent Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] for kin they had lost during the battle.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Only twenty-eight of the ninety ships commanded by [[Sharako Lohar]] returned home, and only three of those were not crewed by [[Lys]]eni.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} The Gullet was considered a disaster by the Triarchy.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} The Myrish and Tyroshi widows accused Sharako of sending their fleets to destruction while holding back his own Lysene ships, thus beginning a quarrel that would eventually lead to the [[Daughters' War]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} A disgraced Sharako discretely sold the captive Viserys to Magister [[Bambarro Bazanne]] of Lys.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

Ultimately the battle was very costly for both sides, and could be considered both a tactical victory for the greens and a strategic win for the blacks. Whereas the death of Prince Jacaerys deprived the blacks of one of their own commanders and Queen Rhaenyra of her eldest heir, the greens had failed in their main goal: to break the hold of the Velaryon fleet on the east coasts of Westeros. Moreover, the greens' allies in the southern Free Cities took such heavy losses that they played no further part in the war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Gallery==
<gallery widths=400px heights=250px>
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 1.png|
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 2.png|
File: Battle of the Gullet Map 3.png|

</gallery>

==Quotes==
{{Quote|If this be victory, I pray I never win another.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Corlys Velaryon]]}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

{{Dance of the Dragons}}

[[Category:Battles|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Dance of the Dragons|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Crownlands|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:House Targaryen battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:House Velaryon battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:Lys]]
[[Category:Myr]]
[[Category:Tyrosh]]

[[es:Batalla del Gaznate]]
[[fr:Bataille du Gosier]]
[[ru:Битва при Глотке]]

File:Battle of the Gullet Map 3.png

2026-05-27T02:32:01Z

The Dragon Demands: == Summary == Battle of the Gullet map 3 of 3. This is a rough draft placeholder map, simply meant to get the ball rolling on an eventual improved version. {{copyright tags|type=gfdl|text=Made by User:The Dragon Demands}} [[Category:Map Images...

== Summary ==
[[Battle of the Gullet]] map 3 of 3. This is a rough draft placeholder map, simply meant to get the ball rolling on an eventual improved version.
{{copyright tags|type=gfdl|text=Made by [[User:The Dragon Demands]]}}
[[Category:Map Images - Conflicts]]

File:Battle of the Gullet Map 2.png

2026-05-27T02:31:45Z

The Dragon Demands: == Summary == Battle of the Gullet map 2 of 3. This is a rough draft placeholder map, simply meant to get the ball rolling on an eventual improved version. {{copyright tags|type=gfdl|text=Made by User:The Dragon Demands}} [[Category:Map Images...

== Summary ==
[[Battle of the Gullet]] map 2 of 3. This is a rough draft placeholder map, simply meant to get the ball rolling on an eventual improved version.
{{copyright tags|type=gfdl|text=Made by [[User:The Dragon Demands]]}}
[[Category:Map Images - Conflicts]]

File:Battle of the Gullet Map 1.png

2026-05-27T02:31:08Z

The Dragon Demands: == Summary == Battle of the Gullet map 1 of 3. This is a rough draft placeholder map, simply meant to get the ball rolling on an eventual improved version. {{copyright tags|type=gfdl|text=Made by User:The Dragon Demands}} [[Category:Map Images...

== Summary ==
[[Battle of the Gullet]] map 1 of 3. This is a rough draft placeholder map, simply meant to get the ball rolling on an eventual improved version.
{{copyright tags|type=gfdl|text=Made by [[User:The Dragon Demands]]}}
[[Category:Map Images - Conflicts]]

Battle of the Gullet

2026-05-27T02:30:09Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Aftermath */

{{Battlebox
| image =
| caption =
| battle_name = Battle of the Gullet
| conflict = [[Dance of the Dragons]]
| date = 5th day of the 1st moon of {{Date|130}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| place = [[Gullet]]
| result = Sack of [[Driftmark]] [[Triarchy]]'s involvement with the war ends
| colour_scheme =
| combatant1 = [[File:House Targaryen (Rhaenyra).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Blacks]]'''
*[[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] [[House Velaryon]]
| combatant2 = [[File:House Targaryen (Aegon II).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Greens]]'''
*[[Triarchy]]
| commander1 = [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]
| commander2 = Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]]
| strength1 = [[House Velaryon]] fleet Jacaerys Velaryon (on [[Vermax]]†) [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]] (on [[Stormcloud]]†) [[Ulf White]] (on [[Silverwing]]) [[Nettles]] (on [[Sheepstealer]]) [[Addam Velaryon]] (on [[Seasmoke]]) [[Hugh Hammer]] (on [[Vermithor]])
| strength2 = 90 warships
| casualties1 = [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]† [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] (POW) [[Vermax]]† [[Stormcloud]]† 33% of the [[Velaryon fleet]] lost
| casualties2 = 62 warships lost
}}

The '''Battle of the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} also called the '''Battle in the Gullet''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} was a battle that took place in the [[Gullet]] in {{Date|130}}<ref group="N">''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' includes the Battle of the Gullet among the Battles of 129, but George R. R. Martin [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/152215-fire-and-blood-excerpt/&page=24&tab=comments#comment-8264969 settled for early 130] in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.</ref> during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. It remains among the bloodiest sea battles in all of history.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Prelude==
[[House Velaryon]] blockaded the [[Gullet]] and controlled access to [[Blackwater Bay]] at the start of the civil war. After the [[assault on Harrenhal]] by Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and further blows to the [[greens]], Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]] to [[Aegon II Targaryen]], hatched a plan to break the [[Velaryon fleet]]'s blockade. Otto reached out across the [[narrow sea]] to enemies of Prince Daemon, the [[Triarchy]], hoping to persuade them to move against the Sea Snake, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]. Otto's plan took time and Aegon II eventually ran out of patience with his grandfather's prevarications, replacing him as Hand with Ser [[Criston Cole]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

The schemes of Otto eventually bore fruit, as the [[High Council of the Triarchy]] accepted his offer of alliance in [[Tyrosh]]. Ninety warships, commanded by Admiral [[Sharako Lohar]] of [[Lys]], swept from the [[Stepstones]] under the banners of the Three Daughters, bending their oars for the Gullet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Meanwhile on [[Dragonstone]], it was decided by Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] that his half-brothers, Princes [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], would be [[Fosterage|fostered]] with the [[Prince of Pentos]] until their mother, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], had secured the [[Iron Throne]]. The princes departed on a [[Pentos]]hi cog, the ''[[Gay Abandon]]'', towards the end of {{Date|129}}. The Sea Snake sent seven of his warships with them as escort.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

''Gay Abandon'' encountered the Triarchy's fleet, which had sailed up to the Gullet. The ''Gay Abandon'' was taken captive and her escorts sunk or captured. Possessed only of a [[dragon egg]], Viserys had no way of escaping from the cog and was made captive by a [[Tyrosh]]i captain. Aegon escaped the ''Gay Abandon'' on his young [[dragon]], [[Stormcloud]]. Sailors attempted to bring them down and Stormcloud was wounded by arrows and scorpion bolts. Nevertheless, they flew to Dragonstone, where Aegon delivered the news of the threat from the east. Stormcloud died at Dragonstone from his wounds.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Battle==
[[File:Aegon and Viserys at the Battle of the Gullet by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|right|350px|[[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] at the Battle of the Gullet, by Jota Saraiva]]
Battle began on the fifth day of the new year, {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} [[Sharako Lohar]] divided the [[Triarchy]]'s ships into two squadrons entering the [[Gullet]] to the north and south of [[Dragonstone]]. They attacked at sunrise, surprising [[House Velaryon]]'s fleet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Flying on [[Vermax]] to meet the fleet of the Triarchy, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] swept down upon a line of [[Lys]]ene galleys. The sailors had experience fighting Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and his dragon, [[Caraxes]], during the [[war for the Stepstones]], so their captains directed their spears and arrows against Jacaerys. One ship caught on fire and then another, however. When Jacaerys was joined by [[Ulf the White]] on [[Silverwing]], [[Nettles]] on [[Sheepstealer]], [[Addam Velaryon]] on [[Seasmoke]], and [[Hugh Hammer]] on [[Vermithor]], the line of warships from the [[Free Cities]] shattered as one galley after another turned away.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Vermax flew too low, however, and crashed down into the sea, possibly wounded from a crossbow bolt to the eye or pulled down by a grapnel. Survivors said he struggled in the rigging of a burning galley and sank with it. Jacaerys leapt free, but was then killed by [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

North and south of Dragonstone, the battle continued into nighttime. The southern squadron bypassed Dragonstone, believing that it was too strong to assault, and instead attacked [[Driftmark]], setting afire the harbor of [[Spicetown]] with fire ships. The town was sacked, with its inhabitants butchered and left as carrion. [[High Tide]] and the treasures of Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] were burned by Myrish and [[Tyrosh]]i soldiers, with the Sea Snake's servants cut down as they fled.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Aftermath==
[[File:Addam and Corlys Velaryon by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|300px|right|Addam and Corlys Velaryon in the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, by [https://riotarttherite.tumblr.com/ Riotarttherite]]]
Thousands died from the battle, and [[Spicetown]] was never rebuilt. The Velaryon fleet lost almost a third of its strength. Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] and his dragon [[Vermax]] were killed, and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] was taken captive,{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} but presumed dead by both sides. Prince Aegon the Younger never forgave himself for abandoning his little brother.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

[[The Testimony of Mushroom|According]] to [[Mushroom]], [[Hugh Hammer|Hugh the Hammer]] and [[Ulf the White]] celebrated their participation. [[Nettles]] and [[Addam Velaryon]] were heavily affected, with the latter seeking out the Sea Snake, though what they spoke to each other remains unknown.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Many people on Dragonstone came to resent Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] for kin they had lost during the battle.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Only twenty-eight of the ninety ships commanded by [[Sharako Lohar]] returned home, and only three of those were not crewed by [[Lys]]eni.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} The Gullet was considered a disaster by the Triarchy.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} The Myrish and Tyroshi widows accused Sharako of sending their fleets to destruction while holding back his own Lysene ships, thus beginning a quarrel that would eventually lead to the [[Daughters' War]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} A disgraced Sharako discretely sold the captive Viserys to Magister [[Bambarro Bazanne]] of Lys.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

Ultimately the battle was very costly for both sides, and could be considered both a tactical victory for the greens and a strategic win for the blacks. Whereas the death of Prince Jacaerys deprived the blacks of one of their own commanders and Queen Rhaenyra of her eldest heir, the greens had failed in their main goal: to break the hold of the Velaryon fleet on the east coasts of Westeros. Moreover, the greens' allies in the southern Free Cities took such heavy losses that they played no further part in the war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Gallery==
<gallery widths=400px heights=250px>

</gallery>

==Quotes==
{{Quote|If this be victory, I pray I never win another.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Corlys Velaryon]]}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

{{Dance of the Dragons}}

[[Category:Battles|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Dance of the Dragons|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:Crownlands|Gullet, Battle of the]]
[[Category:House Targaryen battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:House Velaryon battles|Gullet]]
[[Category:Lys]]
[[Category:Myr]]
[[Category:Tyrosh]]

[[es:Batalla del Gaznate]]
[[fr:Bataille du Gosier]]
[[ru:Битва при Глотке]]

Driftmark

2026-03-13T20:24:55Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Geography */

{{Hatnote|For the castle, see [[Castle Driftmark]]. For the episode, see [[Driftmark (TV)]].}}
{|
{{Location map| Crownlands
| label = '''Driftmark'''
| label_size = 100
| lat = 8
| long = 86
| position = bottom
| marksize = 10
| width = 400
| float = right
| caption = The [[crownlands]] and the location of Driftmark
| alt = The crownlands and the location of Driftmark
}}
|}

'''Driftmark''' is an island west of [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]] in [[Blackwater Bay]]. The seat of [[House Velaryon]] in the [[crownlands]], it has a long point.{{Ref|ASOS|10}} The [[Gullet]] separates Driftmark from [[Massey's Hook]] to the south.{{Ref|TLOIAF|Westeros}}

==Geography==
Driftmark is the largest island in [[Blackwater Bay]].<ref>asoiaf.westeros.org: [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/161215-two-weeks-until-the-rise-of-the-dragon/&do=findComment&comment=8868584 Two Weeks Until The Rise of the Dragon – Comment by Ran (November 4, 2022)]</ref> It is a low-lying and fertile island, [[named after]] driftwood brought by the tides.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

It is unknown if Dragonstone and Driftmark are close enough to see the other island from land. However, when sailing in between the islands it is possible to see both islands at the same time.{{Ref|ASOS|10}}
Settlements on the island have included the castles of [[Castle Driftmark|Driftmark]] and [[High Tide]], the towns [[Hull]] and [[Spicetown]],{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} and shipyards.{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}} High Tide and Spicetown are on the south side of the island, athwart the [[Gullet]], while Castle Driftmark and Hull are on the opposite northern side.

==History==
Driftmark was settled by [[House Velaryon]] prior to the arrival of [[House Targaryen]] at [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Ships from Driftmark allowed the Velaryons to control the middle of the [[narrow sea]] prior to [[Aegon's Conquest]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}

Shortly after the death of her husband, King [[Aenys I Targaryen]], Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]] brought her children to [[Castle Driftmark]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} When King [[Maegor I Targaryen]] lay comatose after a [[trial of seven]], Alyssa proclaimed on Driftmark that her son, Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon Targaryen]], was the true king.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} After the [[Poor Fellows]] were defeated by Maegor at the Great Fork of the [[Blackwater Rush|Blackwater]], Alyssa and her Velaryon kin left Driftmark and submitted to Maegor in [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

Many merchants traded at Driftmark instead of King's Landing to avoid the taxes of Lord [[Edwell Celtigar]], the [[master of coin]] for King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}} When Ser [[Lucamore Strong]] was disgraced from the [[Kingsguard]], his second wife and her children were sent to Driftmark to be fostered with Lord [[Daemon Velaryon (son of Aethan)|Daemon Velaryon]].{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}

Because the ancestral castle Driftmark was damp and cramped, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] constructed a new castle on the opposite side of the island to house the [[Driftwood Throne]]: [[High Tide]], so-called because it was built on a tidal island only linked to Driftmark at low tide. As the island prospered from Lord Corlys's wealth, two large port towns grew on up the coasts of Driftmark: [[Hull]] beneath Castle Driftmark and [[Spicetown]] beneath High Tide.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} When King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] brought his court to Driftmark for the funeral of Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]] in {{date|120}}, the number of [[dragon]]s gathered on the island led Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] to call it the new [[Valyria]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

The dragon [[Sheepstealer]] was known for grabbing sheep from flocks in [[Blackwater Bay]] from Driftmark to as far as the [[Wendwater]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

[[File:Marilda the Bold by Dragonsaria.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Marilda of Hull]] visiting the tomb of her son, [[Addam Velaryon]], by Dragonsaria ©]]

During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Lord Corlys, the Sea Snake, launched [[blacks|black]] ships from Hull and Spicetown to block access to Blackwater Bay. High Tide and Spicetown were burned in the [[Battle in the Gullet]], the latter so severely it was not rebuilt.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} [[Hugh Hammer]] and [[Ulf White]] were given small lands on Driftmark after the [[fall of King's Landing]], but the two new knights felt they deserved greater rewards.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Driftmark became hostile to Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], the leader of the blacks, after she imprisoned Corlys.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Since Lord Corlys had not yet reconciled with the Queen Dowager [[Alicent Hightower]] on behalf of her son, King [[Aegon II Targaryen]], the leader of the [[greens]], [[Alyn Velaryon]] prepared the [[Velaryon fleet]] at Driftmark to attack Aegon on Dragonstone. Conflict was avoided when Corlys was pardoned by Alicent.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

Lord Corlys served as [[regency of Aegon III|a regent]] for King [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. After his death in the [[Red Keep]] in {{date|132}}, Corlys's body was first sailed to Driftmark by [[Marilda of Hull]] and Lord Alyn aboard ''[[Mermaid's Kiss]]'', then buried at sea near Dragonstone aboard ''[[Sea Snake]]''. [[Daemion Velaryon|Daemion]] and [[Daeron Velaryon]] reconciled with Alyn in return for lands on Driftmark.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

Lady [[Baela Targaryen]] lived on Driftmark after wedding Alyn.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}} After learning that Alyn Oakenfist was sailing to the [[Sunset Sea]] to end [[ironborn]] raiding, [[Dalton Greyjoy]], [[Lord of the Iron Islands]], desired to slay Alyn and then conquer Driftmark for himself. Dalton was slain by [[Tess]] at [[Faircastle]] in {{date|133}}, however.{{Ref|FAB| Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

In {{date|138}}, the bones of [[Addam Velaryon]], who had died fighting for the blacks at [[Second Battle of Tumbleton|Second Tumbleton]] despite having been denounced by Rhaenyra, were sent from [[Raventree Hall]] to Driftmark. For the epitaph on his older brother's tomb, Lord Alyn put only the word "LOYAL".{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[File:Monford Velaryon.png|thumb|350px|[[Monford Velaryon]], [[Master of Driftmark]], generated by Elio M. García, Jr.]]
Having been rescued from [[Blackwater Bay]] aboard the ''[[Shayala's Dance]]'', Ser [[Davos Seaworth]] passes the long point of Driftmark while returning to [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]].{{Ref|ASOS|10}}

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

{{Region Crownlands}}
{{Islands}}

[[Category:Driftmark| ]]
[[Category:House Velaryon]]
[[Category:Islands]]
[[Category:Places in the Crownlands]]

[[es:Marcaderiva]]
[[fr:Lamarck]]
[[pt:Derivamarca]]
[[ru:Морской Рубеж]]
[[zh:潮头岛]]

Hull

2026-03-13T20:23:01Z

The Dragon Demands:

{{For|the noble house|House Hull}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Hull
| image =
| image_caption =
| settlement_type = port town
| location = [[Driftmark]], [[crownlands]], [[Westeros]]
| seat = [[House Velaryon]]
| seat_type = [[Feudalism|feudal lord]]
| lord = Lord [[Monford Velaryon]] (AGoT) Lord [[Monterys Velaryon]] (ADwD)
| population =
| religion =
| size =
| founded =
| named_for =
| places =
| organizations =
}}

'''Hull''' is a town on the island of [[Driftmark]] in the [[crownlands]]. It is located beneath the walls of [[Castle Driftmark]] on the north side of the isle, opposite [[Spicetown]] on the south side.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} "Hull" took its name from the rows of ship hulls at anchor below the castle.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon – A Question of Succession}}

==History==
[[File:Marilda of Hull's family by Dragonsaria.jpg|thumb|[[Marilda of Hull]] with her shipwright father and her two sons, [[Addam Velaryon|Addam]] and [[Alyn Velaryon|Alyn]], by Dragonsaria ©]]
Hull arose from three modest fishing villages which grew together at the time in which [[House Velaryon]] grew in wealth and power from the treasures brought by Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] from his voyages.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon – A Question of Succession}} The Sea Snake frequently visited the town's shipyards.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

At the start of the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Corlys the Sea Snake launched his ships from Hull and [[Spicetown]] to close the [[Gullet]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} [[Addam Velaryon|Addam]] and [[Alyn Velaryon|Alyn]] were legitimized [[bastards]] from the town. The boys' mother, [[Marilda of Hull]], was a shipwright's daughter and a canny trader who owned seven ships by {{Date|130}}. Marilda claimed their father was Corlys's son, the late Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]], who had been known to visit Hull's shipyard on occasion. [[Mushroom]] claimed the brothers were actually Corlys's bastard sons, however. Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] legitimized the two as the Sea Snake's Velaryon heirs after Addam was able to ride the dragon [[Seasmoke]]. While Spicetown and High Tide were sacked during the [[Battle of the Gullet]], never to be rebuilt, Hull and Castle Driftmark on the opposite side of the island were unharmed.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Another [[dragonseed]], [[Nettles]], grew up on the streets of Hull and Spicetown.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

When King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] returned to [[King's Landing]] from [[Dragonstone]] in {{Date|131}}, Alyn had him transported on ''[[Mouse]]'', Marilda's old cog.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} Before setting forth to confront the Red Kraken, Lord [[Dalton Greyjoy]], Alyn Oakenfist gathered his fleet at Hull in {{Date|134}}.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}

Hull prospered during the [[Lysene Spring]], with scores of new ships built and Marilda expanded her trading fleets. She built above the harbor a palatial manse which Mushroom called the [[Mouse House]].{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

In {{Date|138}} Lord Alyn entombed at Hull the bones of his brother Addam, which had been returned by Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood]] from [[Raventree Hall|Raventree]]. Addam had died in {{Date|130}} during the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]] after being called a traitor by Rhaenyra. Alyn had his brother's tomb engraved with the word ''LOYAL'' and decorated with carvings of a seahorse and a mouse.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Region Crownlands}}
{{Towns}}

[[Category:Driftmark]]
[[Category:Harbors]]
[[Category:House Velaryon]]
[[Category:Places in the Crownlands]]
[[Category:Towns]]

[[es:Hull]]
[[fr:Hull]]
[[nl:Romp]]
[[pt:Casco]]
[[ru:Халл]]

Knights inquisitor

2026-02-27T15:58:44Z

The Dragon Demands:

'''Knights inquisitor''' are [[knight]]s tasked by the [[Iron Throne]] to investigate and punish threats.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==History==
After the [[fall of King's Landing]], Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] sent hunting parties of knights inquisitor in search of the fugitive King [[Aegon II Targaryen]], Princess [[Jaehaera Targaryen]], Prince [[Maelor Targaryen]], Lord [[Larys Strong]], Ser [[Willis Fell]] and Ser [[Rickard Thorne]]. Rhaenyra's knights inquisitor were also tasked with punishing those who had given aid to the fugitives.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Behind the scenes==
The name "Knights Inquisitor" appears to be an obscure reference to Martin's ''Thousand Worlds'' short story "The Way of Cross and Dragon", in which a representative of a futuristic sect of Christianity dispatched to root out heresies holds the rank of Knight Inquisitor.

==See Also==
*[[Confessor]]
*[[Lord Confessor]]

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Knights| ]]
[[Category:Blacks]]
[[Category:Dance of the Dragons]]
[[Category:Terms]]
[[Category:Titles]]

[[es:Caballeros Inquisidores]]

Common Tongue

2025-12-11T17:05:00Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Language */

The '''Common Tongue'''{{ref|AGOT|11}}{{ref|ACOK|64}}{{ref|AFFC|11}} or '''Common Speech'''{{ref|ADWD|1}}{{Ref|adwd|38}} is a language commonly spoken in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] of [[Westeros]]. There are regional accents,{{ref|AGOT|26}}{{ref|AFFC|37}} but these do not result in a lack of comprehensibility.

While some [[free folk]] who live [[beyond the Wall]] understand the Common Tongue, many clans instead speak local languages.{{ref|ASOS|15}} The [[Thenns]], for instance, speak the [[Old Tongue]] and can only speak a few words of the Common Tongue.{{ref|ASOS|26}}

==Language==
Differences in speech can be observed between the highborn and [[smallfolk|lowborn]] of the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|asos|1}}{{Ref|asos|25}}{{Ref|affc|45}}{{Ref|tss}} These differences can be found in the sound of their speech,{{Ref|affc|45}}{{Ref|agot|26}}{{Ref|affc|2}} but also in the use of specific phrases and words. An example is the use of "my lord" by nobles, but "m'lord" by peasants.{{Ref|adwd|32}} According to Lord [[Roose Bolton]], peasants pronounce "m'lord" as if they have mud in their mouths.{{Ref|adwd|32}} Although the degree of which it is used differs greatly between the common born, the lowborn patois can be seen in multiple further instances:

:'''Example 1''': ''"She ast me to, m'lord,"'' [[Mycah]] said. ''"She ''ast'' me to."..."It's not no sword, it's only a stick."''{{ref|AGOT|15}}

:'''Example 2''': ''"She don't know me,"'' he said, ''"but I knows her, oh, yes."''{{ref|AGOT|50}}

Regional accents can lead someone to determine where a person has been born.{{Ref|agot|26}} This is not limited to the regions of [[Westeros]] ([[crownlands]], [[Dorne]], [[Iron Islands]], [[north]], [[Reach]], [[riverlands]], [[stormlands]], [[Vale of Arryn|Vale]], [[westerlands]]),{{Ref|agot|26}} but also specific cities.{{Ref|adwd|57}}{{Ref|adwd|66}} For example, [[Tyrion Lannister]], a highborn man from [[Casterly Rock]], near [[Lannisport]] in the [[westerlands]], tries to evade suspicion by claiming to be a noble's [[bastard]] son who grew up in [[Lannisport]],{{ref|ADWD|14}} thereby accounting for his speech. Another example is [[Samwell Tarly]], who is identified as a highborn by [[Pypar]], who states that Samwell is "[[southron]], most like near [[Highgarden]]", based solely on his speech.{{Ref|agot|26}} Decades earlier, [[Sefton Staunton]] recognized that [[Duncan the Tall]] was from King's Landing because he was familiar with the city's accent.{{Ref|TSS}}

The largest difference within the Seven Kingdoms can be found in [[Dorne]], where the Common Tongue is marked by the influences of the language of the [[Rhoynar]].{{Ref|adwd|1}}{{Ref|twoiaf| Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}} This influence can be found all over Dorne,{{Ref|adwd|1}} but most strongly among the salty [[Dornishmen]],{{Ref|twoiaf| Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}} who have the most Rhoynish blood.{{Ref|twoiaf| Dorne}} The Dornish speak with a Dornish drawl,{{Ref|affc|0}}{{Ref|affc|20}}{{Ref|affc|45}} stretching, rolling, or lilting some words.{{Ref|twoiaf| Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}} Some describe the Dornish speech as charming.{{Ref| twoiaf| Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}}

==Known non-native speakers==
===Asshai'i===
*[[Melisandre]]
*[[Quaithe]]

===Braavosi===
*[[Denyo Terys]]
*The [[kindly man]]
*[[Noho Dimittis]]
*[[Orbelo]]
*[[Syrio Forel]]
*[[Ternesio Terys]]
*[[Tycho Nestoris]]
*The [[waif]]
*[[Yorko Terys]]

===Dothraki===
*[[Drogo]] (some)
*[[Irri]]
*[[Jhiqui]]

===Ghiscari===
*[[Grazdan (spiked beard)|Grazdan]]
*[[Skahaz mo Kandaq]]

===Lyseni===
*The [[girl bought to please the king]]
*[[Lotho Rogare]]
*[[Lysono Maar]]
*[[Roggerio Rogare]]
*[[Salladhor Saan]]
*[[Varys]]

===Myrish===
*[[Taena of Myr]]
*[[Thoros]]

===Norvoshi===
*[[Areo Hotah]]
*[[Mellario]]

===Pentoshi===
*[[Illyrio Mopatis]]
*[[Rego Draz]]

===Qohorik===
*[[Tobho Mott]]
*[[Vargo Hoat]]

===Summer Islanders===
*[[Alayaya]]
*[[Chataya]]
*[[Jalabhar Xho]]
*[[Kojja Mo]]
*[[Xhondo Dhoru]] (some)

===Thenns===
*[[Sigorn]] (some)
*[[Styr]]

===Tyroshi===
*[[Greenbeard]]
*[[Moreo Tumitis]]

===Volantenes===
*The [[Captain of the Adventure|captain of the ''Adventure'']]
*[[Nymeria Sand]]
*The [[widow of the waterfront]]

===Other===
*[[Jaqen H'ghar]] ([[Lorath]]i)
*[[Leaf]] ([[Children of the forest|child of the forest]])
*[[Missandei]] ([[Naath]]i)
*[[Mirri Maz Duur]] ([[Lhazareen]])
*[[Tumco Lho]] ([[Basilisk Isles|Basilisk Islander]])

===Unknown===
*[[Maggy the Frog]] ([[Essos]]i)
*[[Moqorro]] (Essosi)
*[[Oppo]] ([[Free Cities]])
*[[Patchface]] (Essosi)
*[[Penny]] (Free Cities)

==Quotes==
{{quote|Yes, [[Westeros]] has regional accents. I played with the idea of trying to depict them with phonetic misspellings (and indeed I do a little of that, with some less educated characters), but that way lies madness. I try to suggest the accents with syntax and taglines instead.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref>|[[George R. R. Martin]]}}

{{Quote|"I swear it," she said in the Common Tongue of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] that [[House Targaryen|by rights]] were hers.{{Ref|aGoT|72}}|[[Daenerys Targaryen]] to [[Jorah Mormont]]}}

{{Quote|Tyrion took a mordant pleasure in inventing the details of the colorful life of Hugor Hill, also known as Yollo, a bastard out of [[Lannisport]]. The best lies are seasoned with a bit of truth. The [[dwarf]] knew he sounded like a [[westerlands|westerman]], and a highborn westerman at that, so Hugor must needs be some [[lord]]ling's by-blow. Born in Lannisport because he knew that city better than [[Oldtown]] or [[King's Landing]], and cities were where most dwarfs ended up.{{ref|ADWD|14}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|At least in [[Dorne]] they speak the Common Tongue. Like Dornish food and Dornish law, Dornish speech was spiced with the flavors of the [[Rhoyne]], but a man could comprehend it.{{ref|ADWD|1}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

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

{{Languages}}

[[Category:Languages]]
[[Category:Terms]]
[[Category:Westeros]]

[[es:Lengua Común]]
[[fr:Langue Commune]]
[[ru:Общий язык]]
[[zh:通用语]]

Common Tongue

2025-12-11T17:04:17Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Language */

The '''Common Tongue'''{{ref|AGOT|11}}{{ref|ACOK|64}}{{ref|AFFC|11}} or '''Common Speech'''{{ref|ADWD|1}}{{Ref|adwd|38}} is a language commonly spoken in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] of [[Westeros]]. There are regional accents,{{ref|AGOT|26}}{{ref|AFFC|37}} but these do not result in a lack of comprehensibility.

While some [[free folk]] who live [[beyond the Wall]] understand the Common Tongue, many clans instead speak local languages.{{ref|ASOS|15}} The [[Thenns]], for instance, speak the [[Old Tongue]] and can only speak a few words of the Common Tongue.{{ref|ASOS|26}}

==Language==
Differences in speech can be observed between the highborn and [[smallfolk|lowborn]] of the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|asos|1}}{{Ref|asos|25}}{{Ref|affc|45}}{{Ref|tss}} These differences can be found in the sound of their speech,{{Ref|affc|45}}{{Ref|agot|26}}{{Ref|affc|2}} but also in the use of specific phrases and words. An example is the use of "my lord" by nobles, but "m'lord" by peasants.{{Ref|adwd|32}} According to Lord [[Roose Bolton]], peasants pronounce "m'lord" as if they have mud in their mouths.{{Ref|adwd|32}} Although the degree of which it is used differs greatly between the common born, the lowborn patois can be seen in multiple further instances:

:'''Example 1''': ''"She ast me to, m'lord,"'' [[Mycah]] said. ''"She ''ast'' me to."..."It's not no sword, it's only a stick."''{{ref|AGOT|15}}

:'''Example 2''': ''"She don't know me,"'' he said, ''"but I knows her, oh, yes."''{{ref|AGOT|50}}

Regional accents can lead someone to determine where a person has been born.{{Ref|agot|26}} This is not limited to the regions of [[Westeros]] ([[crownlands]], [[Dorne]], [[Iron Islands]], [[north]], [[Reach]], [[riverlands]], [[stormlands]], [[Vale of Arryn|Vale]], [[westerlands]]),{{Ref|agot|26}} but also specific cities.{{Ref|adwd|57}}{{Ref|adwd|66}} For example, [[Tyrion Lannister]], a highborn man from [[Casterly Rock]], near [[Lannisport]] in the [[westerlands]], tries to evade suspicion by claiming to be a noble's [[bastard]] son who grew up in [[Lannisport]],{{ref|ADWD|14}} thereby accounting for his speech. Another example is [[Samwell Tarly]], who is identified as a highborn by [[Pypar]], who states that Samwell is "[[southron]], most like near [[Highgarden]]", based solely on his speech.{{Ref|agot|26}} Decades earlier, [[Sefton]] recognized that [[Duncan the Tall]] was from King's Landing because he was familiar with the city's accent.{{Ref|TSS}}

The largest difference within the Seven Kingdoms can be found in [[Dorne]], where the Common Tongue is marked by the influences of the language of the [[Rhoynar]].{{Ref|adwd|1}}{{Ref|twoiaf| Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}} This influence can be found all over Dorne,{{Ref|adwd|1}} but most strongly among the salty [[Dornishmen]],{{Ref|twoiaf| Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}} who have the most Rhoynish blood.{{Ref|twoiaf| Dorne}} The Dornish speak with a Dornish drawl,{{Ref|affc|0}}{{Ref|affc|20}}{{Ref|affc|45}} stretching, rolling, or lilting some words.{{Ref|twoiaf| Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}} Some describe the Dornish speech as charming.{{Ref| twoiaf| Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}}

==Known non-native speakers==
===Asshai'i===
*[[Melisandre]]
*[[Quaithe]]

===Braavosi===
*[[Denyo Terys]]
*The [[kindly man]]
*[[Noho Dimittis]]
*[[Orbelo]]
*[[Syrio Forel]]
*[[Ternesio Terys]]
*[[Tycho Nestoris]]
*The [[waif]]
*[[Yorko Terys]]

===Dothraki===
*[[Drogo]] (some)
*[[Irri]]
*[[Jhiqui]]

===Ghiscari===
*[[Grazdan (spiked beard)|Grazdan]]
*[[Skahaz mo Kandaq]]

===Lyseni===
*The [[girl bought to please the king]]
*[[Lotho Rogare]]
*[[Lysono Maar]]
*[[Roggerio Rogare]]
*[[Salladhor Saan]]
*[[Varys]]

===Myrish===
*[[Taena of Myr]]
*[[Thoros]]

===Norvoshi===
*[[Areo Hotah]]
*[[Mellario]]

===Pentoshi===
*[[Illyrio Mopatis]]
*[[Rego Draz]]

===Qohorik===
*[[Tobho Mott]]
*[[Vargo Hoat]]

===Summer Islanders===
*[[Alayaya]]
*[[Chataya]]
*[[Jalabhar Xho]]
*[[Kojja Mo]]
*[[Xhondo Dhoru]] (some)

===Thenns===
*[[Sigorn]] (some)
*[[Styr]]

===Tyroshi===
*[[Greenbeard]]
*[[Moreo Tumitis]]

===Volantenes===
*The [[Captain of the Adventure|captain of the ''Adventure'']]
*[[Nymeria Sand]]
*The [[widow of the waterfront]]

===Other===
*[[Jaqen H'ghar]] ([[Lorath]]i)
*[[Leaf]] ([[Children of the forest|child of the forest]])
*[[Missandei]] ([[Naath]]i)
*[[Mirri Maz Duur]] ([[Lhazareen]])
*[[Tumco Lho]] ([[Basilisk Isles|Basilisk Islander]])

===Unknown===
*[[Maggy the Frog]] ([[Essos]]i)
*[[Moqorro]] (Essosi)
*[[Oppo]] ([[Free Cities]])
*[[Patchface]] (Essosi)
*[[Penny]] (Free Cities)

==Quotes==
{{quote|Yes, [[Westeros]] has regional accents. I played with the idea of trying to depict them with phonetic misspellings (and indeed I do a little of that, with some less educated characters), but that way lies madness. I try to suggest the accents with syntax and taglines instead.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2802 Cyvasse, Accents, Historical Mysteries, and Dornish Nationalism], April 18, 2008</ref>|[[George R. R. Martin]]}}

{{Quote|"I swear it," she said in the Common Tongue of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] that [[House Targaryen|by rights]] were hers.{{Ref|aGoT|72}}|[[Daenerys Targaryen]] to [[Jorah Mormont]]}}

{{Quote|Tyrion took a mordant pleasure in inventing the details of the colorful life of Hugor Hill, also known as Yollo, a bastard out of [[Lannisport]]. The best lies are seasoned with a bit of truth. The [[dwarf]] knew he sounded like a [[westerlands|westerman]], and a highborn westerman at that, so Hugor must needs be some [[lord]]ling's by-blow. Born in Lannisport because he knew that city better than [[Oldtown]] or [[King's Landing]], and cities were where most dwarfs ended up.{{ref|ADWD|14}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|At least in [[Dorne]] they speak the Common Tongue. Like Dornish food and Dornish law, Dornish speech was spiced with the flavors of the [[Rhoyne]], but a man could comprehend it.{{ref|ADWD|1}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

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

{{Languages}}

[[Category:Languages]]
[[Category:Terms]]
[[Category:Westeros]]

[[es:Lengua Común]]
[[fr:Langue Commune]]
[[ru:Общий язык]]
[[zh:通用语]]

Duncan the Tall

2025-12-11T17:01:41Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Appearance and Character */

{{Redirect2|Duncan|Dunk|others with the same name}}
{{Infobox character
| arms = Dunk
| arms2 = Gallows Knight
| arms3 = Kingsguard
| title = Ser
| firstname = Duncan
| epithet = the Tall
| nametemplate = title/firstname/epithet
| image = Dunk.jpg
| image_caption = Dunk, by Amok © Roaring Studios
| Alias = Dunk{{Ref|THK}} Duncan the Tall{{Ref|THK}} Dunk the Lunk{{Ref|THK}} Dunk of Flea Bottom{{Ref|TSS}} Duncan the Dim{{Ref|TSS}} Ser Giant{{Ref|TMK}} The Gallows Knight{{Ref|TMK}} The Hanged Man{{Ref|TMK}}
| Title = [[Knight|Ser]]{{Ref|THK}} [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|15}}
| Allegiance = [[House Osgrey]] [[House Targaryen]] [[Kingsguard]]
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|193}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Duncan the Tall|Duncan the Tall]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Birth = [[King's Landing]]{{Ref|THK}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|259}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|15}}
| Place_of_Death = [[Tragedy at Summerhall|Summerhall]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|15}}
| Spouse =
| Lover =
| Issue = At least one son or daughter{{Ref|ssm|1257}}
| coat-of-arms = A green shooting star above an elm tree proper on sunset{{Ref|THK}}<ref name="heraldry"/> (''Sunset, a shooting star vert above an elm tree proper'')
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Hedge Knight]]'' (POV) ''[[The Sworn Sword]]'' (POV) ''[[The Mystery Knight]]'' (POV) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
| Played_by = [[w:Peter Claffey|Peter Claffey]]
| TV_series = ''[[A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (TV series)|A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms]]'': [[A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms - Season 1|Season 1]]
}}

'''Duncan the Tall''' was a [[knight]] during the reigns of Kings [[Daeron II Targaryen|Daeron II]], [[Aerys I Targaryen|Aerys I]], [[Maekar I Targaryen|Maekar I]], and [[Aegon V Targaryen]]. Raised as '''Dunk''' in [[Flea Bottom]], he became the squire of a [[hedge knight]], Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree]]. Duncan then traveled the [[Seven Kingdoms]] as a hedge knight himself, with the young Prince Aegon, called "Egg", as his squire. The early exploits of "[[Dunk and Egg]]" are chronicled in ''[[A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms]]'', which collects ''[[The Hedge Knight]]'', ''[[The Sworn Sword]]'', and ''[[The Mystery Knight]]''. Duncan then served Aegon after he ascended the [[Iron Throne]], eventually becoming [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard|Lord Commander]] of the [[Kingsguard]] for Aegon V.

Duncan's personal arms were a green shooting star above an [[elm]] tree proper on sunset,{{Ref|THK}}<ref name="heraldry">The Citadel: [https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Heraldry/Other/1/ Heraldry - Houseless Hedge Knights]</ref> but he also briefly used, while competing as a [[mystery knight]] in a tournament, the sigil of an unknown knight, "a hanged man swinging grim and gray beneath a gallows tree."{{Ref|TMK}}

In the television adaptation ''[[A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (TV series)|A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms]]'', Duncan will be portrayed by [[Peter Claffey]].<ref>The Hollywood Reporter: [https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/game-of-thrones-hedge-knight-dunk-and-egg-cast-1235867446/ Dunk and Egg cast] (April 5, 2024)</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Duncan the Tall|l1=Images of Duncan the Tall}}
Duncan was an inch shy of seven feet tall.{{Ref|THK}}{{Ref|TMK}} He had thick, shaggy hair which sun-streaked in the [[summer (season)|summer]]. After the events at [[Standfast]] in {{Date|211}}, he had a dagger scar on his cheek.{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TMK}} Dunk was strong and quick, and was taught jousting and swordplay.{{Ref|THK}} He was better with a sword than with a lance,{{Ref|TMK}} and even better with an axe or mace.{{Ref|TSS}}

Duncan had a humble personality, and frequently thought of himself as thick-headed, recalling how Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree|Arlan]] had often said, "Dunk the lunk, thick as a castle wall", and referred to him as "slow as an [[aurochs]]".{{Ref|THK}}

Having grown up in the slums of Flea Bottom, Duncan spoke with a recognizable King's Landing [[Common Tongue|accent]].{{Ref|TSS}}

==History==
===Early life===
Duncan's earliest memories were of living as a street urchin in the [[Flea Bottom]] slums of [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|THK}} His closest friends went by the names of [[Ferret]], [[Rafe]], and [[Pudding]]. By his own admission, they were "little monsters" with Duncan, at the time still known as "Dunk", the worst of all.{{Ref|TMK}} Sometimes they would sell{{Ref|TSS}} or even dump{{Ref|TMK}} pieces of meat of dubious origin to the local pot shops that made the [[bowl of brown|bowls of brown]]. Dunk was an orphan{{Ref|THK}} who never knew either of his parents. It may be that he is a [[bastard]]. He believed his father might have been a criminal, and once hoped to someday go to the [[north]] and eventually the [[Wall]], where he could perhaps meet some tall old man who looked like him.{{Ref|TSS}}

[[File: YoungDunk Arlan TMK comic.png|thumb|200px|left|Ser Arlan and Dunk in Flea Bottom, by Mike S. Miller]]
Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree]], a [[hedge knight]], took Dunk as his new [[squire]] three or four years after the death of his previous squire, [[Roger of Pennytree]], during the [[Battle of the Redgrass Field|final battle]] of the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]] in {{Date|196}}.{{Refn|group="N"|Duncan had been serving Ser Arlan since he was five or six years old, after the tourney at [[Storm's End]] in {{Date|200}},{{Ref|THK}} and was "no more than three or four" at the time of the Redgrass Field, in late {{Date|196}}, when Roger died.{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}}}{{Ref|TSS}} He found the young Dunk, aged five or six,{{Ref|THK}} in King's Landing chasing a pig and took him on.{{Ref|TMK}} Arlan raised Dunk, and together they traveled all over Westeros, except the north.{{Ref|TSS}} Though they never visited [[Pennytree]], where Arlan was from,{{Ref|TMK}} they served Lord [[Leo Tyrell (Longthorn)|Leo Tyrell]] at [[Highgarden]] during one of the first few years that Dunk served Arlan,{{Ref|THK}} visited [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|205}},{{Ref|TMK}} served [[Lord Florent]] for half a year and joined [[Lord Dondarrion (father of Manfred)|Lord Dondarrion]] in the hunt for the [[Vulture King (Daeron II)|Vulture King]], both in {{Date|206}}, and visited [[Lannisport]] in {{Date|208}},{{Ref|THK}} amongst other places. As well, Duncan accompanied Arlan when he was one of several [[knight]]s hired by a Dornish merchant who wanted to travel from [[Lannisport]] to the [[Prince's Pass]] in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|TSS}}

Dunk learned sword-fighting from Ser Arlan,{{Ref|THK}} though he still recalls his fighting experience from Flea Bottom as well.{{Ref|THK}}{{Ref|TSS}} Ever since the first time that Arlan had let Duncan hold a sword, Duncan had dreamt of becoming a knight of the [[Kingsguard]].{{Ref|TMK}}

Dunk was not sure exactly how old he was because he grew up as an abandoned orphan in the streets of King's Landing, and his unusually large height from a young age made it difficult to guess. By 209 AC he loosely thought he must be about 16 or 17 years old, which would place his birth somewhere between 191 to 193 AC.{{Ref|THK}}

===Tourney at Ashford Meadow===
[[File:Dunk and Egg by Even Mehl Amundsen.jpg|thumb|Dunk and [[Aegon V Targaryen|Egg]], by Even Mehl Amundsen ©]]
In {{Date|209}}, a [[tourney]] was to be held at [[Ashford]] in the [[Reach]]. Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree]] died on the way to the castle, however, and after Dunk had buried the [[hedge knight]], he decided to compete in the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]] in Arlan's stead. At an inn along the way, Dunk met a [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|drunken man]] who claimed to have dreamed about him, and who became distraught at the sight of him. Dunk also met a bald-headed boy who begged Dunk to be allowed to become his [[squire]] when Duncan left. Duncan refused, left, and shortly thereafter arrived at Ashford. Duncan made camp, and that evening discovered the bald boy from the inn at his camp. When the boy assumed that Dunk's name was short for Duncan, Dunk agreed, calling himself Ser Duncan the Tall, for his height and because it sounded powerful. The boy claimed to be called "Egg" and said he came from [[King's Landing]], causing Dunk to believe the boy was an orphan from [[Flea Bottom]], just like he had been. Because he did not have a squire, Dunk accepted Egg as his squire for the duration of the tourney. That night, in their camp under an elm tree, Dunk saw a green [[astronomy|falling star]], which he believed was lucky.{{Ref|THK}}

Once at the tourney grounds, Duncan was forced to sell [[Sweetfoot]], one of his [[horse]]s, and Arlan's old [[armor]], in order to buy armor of his own from [[Steely Pate]]. He met a puppeteer named [[Tanselle]], who was performing at a stall on the tourney grounds. The day after Dunk's arrival, he went to register for the tourney, which required [[knighthood]] to participate. Identifying himself as Ser Duncan the Tall, Dunk told [[Plummer]], [[Lord Ashford]]'s steward, how Arlan had knighted him before his death. Several of his thoughts and actions, as well as other facts, however, suggest that his tale is not completely true.{{Refn|group="N"|name=knighthood|There is a con report{{Ref|ssm|1307}} with a paraphrased statement by Martin, confirming that Duncan had not been knighted by Ser Arlan. Besides this [[So Spake Martin|SSM]], other indications have been laid out by readers. Immediately after burying Arlan, Duncan considers finding another knight to squire for,{{Ref|THK}} which is at odds with his supposed new-made knighthood. Duncan also becomes uncomfortable at several occasions when his knighting is brought up, such as when Lady [[Rohanne Webber]] asks if he was knighted by Ser Arlan, and Duncan looks at his feet while saying "No one else was like to do it."{{Ref|TSS}} Duncan is extremely hesitant to knight [[Raymun Fossoway|another young squire]], feeling both relieved and guilty when [[Lyonel Baratheon|another]] steps in to knight the boy.{{Ref|THK}} Lastly, Duncan admits to himself that "He knew what it was like to want something so badly that you would tell a monstrous lie just to get near it."{{Ref|THK}} Readers have suspected that this refers to his lie about his knighthood.}} Plummer suggested that Duncan find someone to vouch for him and return the next day. Unable to find anyone, Duncan returned to the castle the next day, where he accidentally interrupted Prince [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor]] and Prince [[Maekar I Targaryen|Maekar Targaryen]], who were occupied with the missing Princes [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Daeron]] and [[Aegon V Targaryen|Aegon]], two of Maekar's sons. After Duncan explained his problem to the princes, Baelor recalled jousting against Arlan years before, and vouched for Duncan, allowing his participation. Since Dunk's shield displayed the winged chalice arms of the late Ser Arlan, Baelor said he could not bear the sigil himself, as he was not Arlan's trueborn son. Dunk paid Tanselle to paint over the shield with a new design, a green shooting star above an elm tree at sunset; a sunset because Ser Arlan liked them, an elm for the tree by his camp, and a shooting star for the lucky one he had seen.{{Ref|THK}}

When Tanselle was attacked by Prince [[Aerion Targaryen]], Duncan rushed to her defense, attacking the prince in the process. When Aerion's guards intervened, Egg protected Duncan from further harm by revealing his identity as Prince Aegon. Duncan was arrested and brought to the castle, where Prince Baelor informed him how Prince Daeron had claimed to his father that the missing Aegon had been kidnapped by a robber knight, while Aerion was twisting the puppeteer story into treason. Due to the lies of both Aerion and Daeron, Maekar became furious with Duncan. Baelor was forced to allow Aerion a trial, and Aerion demanded a [[trial of seven]].{{Ref|THK}}

With help from Aegon, Duncan found six allies: Ser [[Robyn Rhysling]], Ser [[Humfrey Hardyng]], Lord [[Lyonel Baratheon]], Ser [[Humfrey Beesbury]], the newly-knighted [[Raymun Fossoway]], and Prince Baelor. Aerion was supported by Daeron, Maekar, Ser [[Steffon Fossoway]], Ser [[Willem Wylde]], Ser [[Donnel of Duskendale]], and Ser [[Roland Crakehall (Kingsguard)]], the latter three being knights of the [[Kingsguard]]. To his surprise, Duncan discovered that the [[smallfolk]] supported him, as he had remembered his vows as a knight{{Ref|THK}} ("protecting the weak and defending the innocent"){{Ref|ACOK|32}}{{Ref|ACOK|52}}{{Ref|ADWD|27}} by protecting Tanselle. During the combat, Duncan eventually found himself facing Aerion one on one, and he managed to best Aerion by using his strength and his fighting skills from Flea Bottom. Duncan forced Aerion to yield. As Daeron had already faked his defeat—as he had promised Duncan the day before—Duncan was declared cleared free of all charges.{{Ref|THK}}

Humfrey Beesbury was slain in the fighting, and Humfrey Hardyng died from his wounds in the night. Prince Baelor was mortally wounded as well by his own brother, Prince Maekar, leaving Duncan feeling extremely guilty. Maekar offered Duncan a place at [[Summerhall]] so his son Aegon could squire for Duncan. While Duncan agreed to take the prince as his squire, he insisted on remaining a hedge knight, convinced it would teach Egg humility. Maekar agreed.{{Ref|THK}}

===On the road===
[[File:Marc Simonetti DunkEggtravels.jpg|thumb|Duncan and [[Aegon V Targaryen|Aegon]] traveling, by Marc Simonetti ©]]
Duncan and Aegon traveled to [[Dorne]], passing through the [[Prince's Pass]] and eventually reaching [[Vaith]], where Duncan accidentally insulted Lady [[Cassella Vaith]], the first highborn woman he had ever met. During the crossing of the desert, Duncan's horse [[Chestnut]] died,{{Ref|TSS}} and he and Aegon had to ride double on [[Thunder (horse)|Thunder]].{{Ref|TSS}} While in {{Date|209}} and {{Date|210}} the [[Great Spring Sickness]] ran its course through Westeros, Duncan and Aegon were able to avoid encountering this plague as they were in Dorne, one of the two places where the plague had not come.{{Ref|TSS}}

Duncan and Aegon took a poleboat down the [[Greenblood]] to [[Planky Town]], where they took passage on the galleas ''[[White Lady]]'' to [[Oldtown]].{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TMK}} Aboard the ship, Duncan had his first experience of combat at sea when he helped repel some raiders.{{Ref|TMK}} In Oldtown, Aegon's brother [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] measured Duncan, and found he was an inch short of seven feet.{{Ref|TSS}}

At some point, Duncan and Aegon were gifted a mule, [[Maester (mule)|Maester]], by one of Aegon's brothers,{{Ref|TSS}} presumably Aemon.<ref group="N" name=Maester>The mule was almost certainly given by Aemon, as its name is "Maester", and Aegon and Duncan have been mentioned to have visited with Aemon in Oldtown, whereas no mention is made of Aegon encountering his brother Daeron, while his brother Aerion is still in Lys. If Aemon gave Dunk the mule, it was in Oldtown, sometime after they visited Vaith.</ref>

===Service at Standfast===
Duncan and Aegon took service with Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]], a poor and broken [[landed knight]], at [[Standfast]] in the [[Reach]]. Also employed was Ser [[Bennis of the Brown Shield]], an old acquaintance of Duncan from his time with Arlan. Duncan and Bennis discovered that peasants of the widowed [[Rohanne Webber]], [[Lady of Coldmoat]] had dammed the [[Chequy Water]]. Bennis provoked Rohanne by cutting the cheek of one of her peasants. Duncan and Bennis began training a small levy of peasants for Eustace.

Since Eustace refused to travel to [[Coldmoat]], Duncan went to the castle to try to reason with Lady Webber. Though sexual tension charged their meeting, Rohanne refused Duncan and told him about Eustace's support of [[Daemon I Blackfyre|Daemon Blackfyre]] during the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion|Blackfyre Rebellion]]. Shocked by the revelation, Duncan attempted to leave Eustace's service, but a fire in the nearby woods caused him to suspect that Rohanne had already started her campaign against Eustace.{{Ref|TSS}}

Duncan knew that the battle was a lost cause. He disbanded Eustace's meager levies, but promised to be by his side when he faced Rohanne. Meeting with her forces, Duncan cut his own cheek, claiming he was the one who attacked Rohanne's peasant. Lady Webber and Ser Eustance refused to back down, however, and they decided upon [[trial by combat]]. Duncan represented the elderly Eustace, and Rohanne's champion was her overbearing [[castellan]], Ser [[Lucas Inchfield]]. Duncan's wrestling ability compensated for his lack of swordsmanship, and he managed to kill Lucas Longinch, though Duncan received major wounds himself and almost drowned in the stream in which they had been fighting.{{Ref|TSS}}

After recuperating, Duncan discovered that Eustace and Rohanne had settled their differences and decided to marry. Duncan felt rejected, but was confronted by Rohanne shortly before he left. He took one kiss from Rohanne and cut off a length of her signature braid as a keepsake, after which he and Aegon took their leave.{{Ref|TSS}}

===Wedding Tourney at Whitewalls===
[[File:The mystery knight by grr martin by marcsimonetti.jpg|thumb|Duncan as a [[mystery knight]], with his squire, [[Aegon V Targaryen|Aegon]], by Marc Simonetti ©]]
Duncan and Aegon traveled to the [[riverlands]], where they visited [[Stoney Sept]]. Though they had been on their way to take up service with Lord [[Beron Stark]] against the [[ironborn]] on the [[north]]ern coast, they changed their destination after a chance meeting on the road. They encountered a group led by [[Gormon Peake]], [[Lord of Starpike]], Lord [[Alyn Cockshaw]], and a hedge knight named Ser [[Daemon II Blackfyre|John the Fiddler]]. The latter invited Duncan to attend the wedding of [[Ambrose Butterwell]], [[Lord of Whitewalls]] to [[Lady Frey (wife of Ambrose Butterwell)|the daughter]] of [[Lord Frey]], [[Lord of the Crossing]], stating that the victor's prize at the celebratory [[wedding tourney at Whitewalls]] was to be a [[dragon egg]]. Though the company traveled on without him, Duncan decided to go as well, and he befriended the fellow hedge knights Ser [[Kyle the Cat]], Ser [[Maynard Plumm]], and Ser [[Glendon Ball]] on his way to [[Whitewalls]].{{Ref|TMK}}

At Whitewalls, Aegon became suspicious about the intentions of the wedding, and he informed Duncan that the majority of the nobles present had fought for [[House Blackfyre]] during the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion|Blackfyre Rebellion]]. Duncan later had an encounter with John the Fiddler, who told him that Duncan had appeared to him in a dream in which Duncan had worn the all white armor of the [[Kingsguard]]. The Fiddler said his dreams always came true, stating that he had dreamed his brothers dead once, and though they had not believed him, they had died. The Fiddler also informed Duncan that he had dreamed about a [[dragon]] hatching from an egg at Whitewalls.{{Ref|TMK}}

Duncan entered the joust as the Gallows Knight, a [[mystery knight]] named for the hanged man sigil on his shield, which he had bought to replace the one destroyed by the Longinch but had not had time to have painted with his own arms. Duncan was defeated in his first tilt by Ser [[Uthor Underleaf]], who confessed that someone had attempted to bribe him to kill Duncan in the final tilt. Whilst searching for Aegon, Duncan ran into Glendon, who had been far more successful than Duncan during the tourney, and invited him to come north after the tourney, which Glendon declined. Glendon told Duncan that Lord Peake had offered him a place at [[Starpike]], on the condition that Glendon would let the Fiddler win. Glendon had refused, angering Gormon. Duncan next ran into the Fiddler, and began to realize John's true identity, as well as that the tourney had been rigged as to make the Fiddler victorious.{{Ref|TMK}}

Lord Peake accused Glendon Ball of stealing the dragon egg, and the youth was imprisoned. When Duncan attempted to intervene, Alyn Cockshaw pulled him back, telling Duncan to follow him, if he wanted to find Aegon. Alyn attempted to kill Duncan out of jealousy for the attention the Fiddler had shown Duncan. Though injured, Duncan threw Alyn down a well to drown, an action witnessed by Maynard Plumm. Maynard helped Duncan see to his injuries and informed him of Aegon's location.{{Ref|TMK}}

Aegon falsely told Lord Butterwell that he and Duncan were spies sent to investigate the tournament and that his father, Prince [[Maekar I Targaryen|Maekar Targaryen]], was on his way with an army. Frightened, Ambrose pled for his innocence. Ser [[Tommard Heddle]] attempted to seize Aegon in the sept, but was slain by Duncan in the combat that ensued. Duncan ordered Aegon to ride for [[Maidenpool]], and he confronted the Fiddler, calling him by his true name, [[Daemon II Blackfyre|Daemon]]. Duncan accused Lord Peake of bribing the contestants in Daemon's favor, and of falsely charging Glendon with the theft of the dragon egg. Furious about the accusations, Daemon challenged Glendon with a joust as a means of [[trial by combat]].{{Ref|TMK}}

Glendon defeated Daemon Blackfyre easily early the next morning, and moments later a loyalist army led by Lord [[Brynden Rivers]], the [[Hand of the King]], arrived at Whitewalls. Daemon was arrested, and those who had supported him executed or punished, causing the [[Second Blackfyre Rebellion]] to be suppressed before it had even begun. Lord Brynden allowed Duncan and Aegon to continue their travels, and hinted as to how the dragon's egg had been stolen, leading Duncan to realize the involvement of the [[dwarf]]s who had performed at the wedding.{{Ref|TSS}}

===Later life===
[[File:ChaseStone duncantall trial by battle.jpg|thumb|350px|Ser Duncan the Tall fighting Lord [[Lyonel Baratheon]] in a [[trial by combat]], as depicted by Chase Stone in ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'']]
An unknown amount of time after Whitewalls, Duncan and Aegon visited [[Winterfell]].<ref>[[Not a Blog]]: ''[https://georgerrmartin.com/notablog/2014/04/15/dunk-and-egg/ Dunk and Egg]'' (April 15, 2014)</ref>

Presumably in honor of Ser Duncan, Prince [[Aegon V Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]] named his firstborn son and heir [[Duncan Targaryen|Duncan]] (however, when asked about it, [[George R. R. Martin]] refused to answer).{{Ref|SSM|1105}} Prince Duncan was called "Duncan the Small".{{Ref|ASOS|67}}

In late {{Date|233}}, after Aegon had ascended the throne as [[Aegon V Targaryen]], Duncan escorted the king's brother, Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]], to [[Eastwatch-by-the-Sea]], where Aemon was going to join the [[Night's Watch]].{{Ref|AFFC|15}}

Duncan eventually joined the [[Kingsguard]]. While it is unknown when exactly he took his vows, the first known mention of him as a Kingsguard knight is in {{Date|236}}.{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|15}}

In {{Date|236}}, Ser Duncan fought in the [[Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion]] and personally slew [[Daemon III Blackfyre]], the [[House Blackfyre|Blackfyre Pretender]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|15}}

In {{Date|239}}, when Prince [[Duncan Targaryen]] broke his betrothal to Lord [[Lyonel Baratheon]]'s daughter and married a commonborn girl known as [[Jenny of Oldstones]] instead, the enraged Lyonel renounced his fealty to the [[Iron Throne]]. Duncan served as King Aegon V's champion in the [[trial by combat]], in which he bested Lyonel, thereby ending his short rebellion.{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|15}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|8|4}}

In {{Date|252}} or {{Date|253}} Duncan, by then [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]], participated in a [[winter tourney at King's Landing]], where he was defeated by a sixteen-year-old [[Barristan Selmy]].{{Ref|ASOS|67}}

In {{Date|259}}, Duncan perished along with King Aegon V and Prince Duncan, among others, in the [[tragedy of Summerhall]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|Duncan}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|15}} Little is known about the events of the tragedy, but it seems that the Lord Commander's valor saved some of the survivors from dying in the great fire that consumed [[Summerhall]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|15}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Storm of Swords''===
While in the Round Room of [[White Sword Tower]], Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] admires previous men who served as [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]], including Duncan. He also reads Ser [[Barristan Selmy]]'s entry in the [[White Book]], which states Barristan defeated Duncan during the [[winter tourney at King's Landing]] in which Barristan had participated as a [[mystery knight]].{{Ref|ASOS|67}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
For unknown reasons, a shield with Dunk's original arms came to reside in the armory of Lord [[Selwyn Tarth]] at [[Evenfall Hall]]. While at [[Duskendale]], Selwyn's daughter, [[Brienne Tarth|Brienne]], remembering the arms, has them painted on her shield so she can travel the [[crownlands]] and [[riverlands]] incognito.{{Ref|AFFC|9}}

Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] relates that when he joined the [[Night's Watch]], his brother [[Aegon V Targaryen|Egg]] insisted that Ser Duncan accompany him to [[Eastwatch]].{{Ref|AFFC|15}} Aemon also dreams of his youth in [[Oldtown]], a time when he was drinking at the [[Quill and Tankard]] with Egg and "that big knight he served".{{Ref|AFFC|26}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
While in the [[cave of the three-eyed crow]], [[Bran Stark]] has visions of the past looking through the [[heart tree]] in the [[godswood of Winterfell]]. Among the visions is a slender brown-haired girl kissing a knight as tall as [[Hodor]],{{Ref|ADWD|34}} possibly Duncan.

==Steeds==
At the time of the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]] in ''[[The Hedge Knight]]'', Dunk owned three horses which he had inherited from Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree]]:
*[[Thunder (horse)|Thunder]], a destrier
*[[Chestnut]], a stot which died between ''[[The Hedge Knight]]'' and ''[[The Sworn Sword]]''{{Ref|TSS}}
*[[Sweetfoot]], a female palfrey which he sold so he could buy armor and a greathelm.{{Ref|THK}}

As his adventures progressed, Duncan acquired:
*[[Maester (mule)|Maester]], a mule he received as a gift from one of Egg's brothers,{{Ref|TSS}} presumably Aemon<ref group="N" name=Maester/>
*[[Rain (horse)|Rain]],{{Ref|TMK}} a palfrey he received as a gift from [[Rohanne Webber]].{{Ref|TSS}}

==Progeny==
[[George R. R. Martin]] has stated that readers have met a descendant of Dunk in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]''.{{Ref|ssm|1257}} He later stated that he gave a strong hint to Dunk's descendant in ''[[A Feast for Crows]]''.{{Ref|ssm|1363}} Given that in ''A Feast for Crows'', [[Brienne of Tarth|Brienne]] recalls finding a shield with Dunk's sigil in the armories of [[Tarth]],{{Ref|AFFC|9}} it was widely speculated but not confirmed that she is descended from Duncan the Tall. However, in 2016 at Balticon, Martin confirmed Brienne's descent, stating that the exact relationship between Duncan and Brienne would be "revealed in time".<ref>The Wertzone: [http://thewertzone.blogspot.nl/2016/05/george-rr-martin-confirms-game-of.html George R.R. Martin confirms GAME OF THRONES/SONG OF ICE AND FIRE fan theory] (May 29, 2016)</ref>

==Quotes by Duncan==
[[File:Dunk first still from AKOTSK.png|thumb|400px|Peter Claffey as Duncan the Tall in HBO's ''[[A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (TV series)|A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms]]'']]
{{Quote|'''Egg''': If you took me, I could squire for you. 
'''Dunk''': I have no need of a squire. 
'''Egg''': Every [[knight]] needs a squire. You look as though you need one more than most. 
'''Dunk''' And you look as though you need a clout in the ear, it seems to me.{{Ref|THK}}|[[Aegon V Targaryen|Egg]] and Dunk}}

{{Quote|'''Egg''': I have never heard of any Ser Duncan the Tall. 
'''Dunk''': Do you know every [[knight]] in the [[Seven Kingdoms]], then? 
'''Egg''': The good ones. 
'''Dunk''': I'm as good as any. After [[tourney at Ashford Meadow|the tourney]], they'll all know that.{{Ref|THK}}|[[Aegon V Targaryen|Egg]] and Dunk}}

{{Quote|'''Duncan''': The old man, Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree|Arlan]], he used to say I was thick as a castle wall and slow as an [[aurochs]]. 
'''Baelor''': And strong as an aurochs, by the look of you.{{Ref|THK}}|Duncan and [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|'''Duncan''': What color paint do you have? 
'''Tanselle''': I can mix paints to make any color you want. 
'''Duncan''': The field should be the color of sunset. [[Arlan of Pennytree|The old man]] liked sunsets. And the device... 
'''Egg''': An elm tree. A big elm tree, like the one by the pool, with a brown trunk and green branches. 
'''Duncan''': Yes. That would serve. An elm tree... but with a [[astronomy|shooting star]] above.{{Ref|THK}}|Duncan, [[Tanselle]], and [[Aegon V Targaryen|Egg]]}}

{{Quote|'''Duncan''': What am I to [[smallfolk|them]]? 
'''Pate''': A [[knight]] who remembered his vows.{{ref|THK}}|Duncan and [[Steely Pate]]}}

{{Quote|[[Oak]] and [[iron]], guard me well, or else I'm dead and doomed to hell.{{Ref|THK}}|thoughts of Duncan}}

{{Quote|'''Rohanne''': Did you come to [[knighthood]] on some battlefield, Ser Duncan? Your speech suggests that you were not born of noble blood, if you will forgive my saying so. 
'''Duncan''': A [[hedge knight]] named Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree]] took me on to squire for him when I was just a boy. He taught me chivalry and the arts of war. 
'''Rohanne''': And this same Ser Arlan knighted you? 
'''Duncan''': No one else was like to do it.{{Ref|TSS}}|[[Rohanne Webber]] and Duncan}}

{{Quote|'''Rohanne''': If you were better born, I'd marry you. 
'''Duncan''': Aye, m'lady. And if pigs had wings and scales and breathed flame, they'd be as good as [[dragon]]s.{{Ref|TSS}}|[[Rohanne Webber]] and Duncan}}

==Quotes about Duncan==
{{Quote|'''Maekar''': Brother, have you taken leave of your senses? This man attacked [[Aerion Targaryen|my son]]. 
'''Baelor''': This man protected [[Tanselle|the weak]], as every [[true knight]] must. Let [[Faith of the Seven|the gods]] determine if he was right or wrong.{{Ref|TSS}}|[[Maekar I Targaryen|Maekar Targaryen]] and [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|Dunk the lunk, [[Arlan of Pennytree|Pennytree]] used to call you. I recall. Lunks shouldn't try and think, their heads is too bloody thick for such.{{Ref|TSS}}|[[Bennis of the Brown Shield]] to Duncan}}

{{Quote|I [[dreams|dreamed]] that you were all in white from head to heel, with a long pale cloak flowing from those broad shoulders. You were a White Sword, ser, a Sworn Brother of the [[Kingsguard]], the greatest knight in all the [[Seven Kingdoms]], and you lived for no other purpose but to guard and serve and please your king.{{Ref|TMK}}|[[Daemon II Blackfyre|John the Fiddler]] to Duncan}}

{{Quote|Think on my offer, ser. The snail may leave a trail of slime behind him, but a little slime will do a man no harm… whilst if you dance with [[House Targaryen|dragons]], you must expect to burn.{{Ref|TMK}}|[[Uthor Underleaf]] to Duncan}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-vac|unknown|parameter=before|unknlast=[[Aemon Targaryen (son of Viserys II)|Aemon Targaryen]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]]|years=?–{{Date|259}}|under=[[Aegon V Targaryen]]}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Gerold Hightower]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Kingsguard of Aegon V}}
{{Lords Commander of the Kingsguard}}
{{Aegon V small council}}

[[Category:193 AC births]]
[[Category:259 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Tragedy at Summerhall]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands]]
[[Category:Characters with brown hair]]
[[Category:Hedge knights]]
[[Category:House Osgrey retainers]]
[[Category:House Targaryen retainers]]
[[Category:Knights]]
[[Category:Lords Commander of the Kingsguard]]
[[Category:Lowborn nobles]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon V Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of the Kingsguard]]
[[Category:Mystery knights]]
[[Category:POV characters]]
[[Category:Six-footers]]
[[Category:Squires]]
[[Category:Sworn shields]]
[[Category:Sworn swords]]
[[Category:Veterans of the Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion]]

[[es:Duncan]]
[[fr:Dunk]]
[[it:Duncan]]
[[pt:Duncan]]
[[ru:Дункан Высокий]]
[[tr:Uzun Duncan]]
[[zh:“高个”邓肯]]

Gender and sexuality

2025-12-09T20:07:05Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Characters who have engaged in LGBT+ behaviors */

A variety of social patterns concerning '''gender and sexuality''' can be observed in the [[Known World]] of ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]''. Modern terms such as "gay", "homosexual", or "LGBT" do not appear in the novels. Moreover, no analogous in-universe term has ever been introduced.

For that matter, it is as yet unclear if "homosexuals" are even considered a conceptual category of persons in Westeros and beyond, given that this conceptual category did not actually exist in the real-wolrd [[w:Middle Ages|Middle Ages]]. For the simplicity of this article, those modern terms will be applied to the characters.

[[George R. R. Martin]] has declared that the world of ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' has no knowledge of genetics, so any more subtle chromosomal or hormonal conditions are unknown to them, only visible anatomical characteristics. When asked if [[Brienne of Tarth]] has a chromosomal condition, like [[w:Triple X syndrome|Triple X syndrome]], he responded that he did not know, because the [[maester]]s in-universe do not know what [[w:DNA|DNA]] is.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1147/ Brienne of Tarth (January 31, 2001)]</ref>

==Characters who have engaged in LGBT+ behaviors==
[[File:Jeyne Arryn and Jessamyn Redfort by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|[[Jeyne Arryn]] and [[Jessamyn Redfort]], by Riotarttherite]]
# Numerous characters have engaged in homosexual behavior or expressed desires for characters of the same gender:
## Explicitly confirmed:
##* Lord [[Alyn Cockshaw]], who was in love with Daemon II Blackfyre,{{Ref|TMK}} who did not return his feelings{{Ref|AWOIAF|Alyn Cockshaw}}
##* [[Bokkoko]], who is open about the fact that he has a male lover.<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', Tyrion II</ref>
##* [[Daemon II Blackfyre]], confirmed to be gay by [[George R. R. Martin]]<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGA6JHNI-oo Ideas at the House:] George R.R. Martin, Lena Headey & Michelle Fairley - 'Game of Thrones' , Nov 11, 2013</ref>
##* [[Essie]], who had a female paramour named [[Sylvenna Sand]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}}
##* Lord [[Jon Connington]], confirmed to be gay by George R. R. Martin<ref name="ssm1"/><ref name="unionsquare">[https://asoiafuniversity.tumblr.com/post/55280523592/here-is-the-transcript-i-took-down-myself-at-the Union Square Signing transcript]</ref>
##* Ser [[Loras Tyrell]], confirmed to be gay by George R. R. Martin and to have had a relationship with Renly Baratheon<ref name=ssm1/><ref name=ssm2/><ref name="unionsquare" />
##* Lord [[Renly Baratheon]], confirmed to be gay by George R. R. Martin and to have had a relationship with Loras Tyrell<ref name=ssm1/><ref name=ssm2/><ref name="unionsquare" />
## Implied to various degrees in the text:
##* [[Alf of Runnymudd]] and [[Garth Greyfeather]], two members of the [[Night's Watch]] who are implied to be in a relationship. When Garth is sent [[beyond the Wall]] by Lord Commander [[Jon Snow]] and is killed by the [[Weeper]], Alf lets out a howl of grief upon learning the news and has to be escorted to a bed and given mulled wine. Later, it is hinted that Alf is one of the four men who stabbed Jon Snow during the [[mutiny at Castle Black]].{{ref|ADWD|31}}{{ref|ADWD|69}}
##* Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Aegon V)|Daeron Targaryen]], son of King Aegon V. He broke his betrothal at the age of eighteen, and it was said he preferred the companionship of Ser [[Jeremy Norridge]] instead.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}
##* [[Hother Umber]] was robbed in [[Oldtown]] in his youth by a whore, who is rumored to have been a man.{{Ref|ADWD|17}}
##* A widespread rumor asserted that Lady [[Jeyne Arryn]] "preferred the intimate companionship of other women." She never wed{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} and her "dear companion," according to Archmaester [[Gyldayn]], was [[Jessamyn Redfort]].{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
##* Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]], said to have never shown any interest in women, instead preferring the company of handsome [[squire]]s and [[knight]]s his own age, such as Ser [[Joffrey Lonmouth]] and Ser [[Qarl Correy]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
##* Ser [[Lyn Corbray]], implied to be gay. According to Petyr Baelish, Lyn likes "boys".{{Ref|AFFC|23}}
##* [[Nymeria Sand]] is known to be very close to [[Jeyne Fowler|Jeyne]] and [[Jennelyn Fowler]],{{Ref|AFFC|40}} and was "abed" with them when learning of [[Oberyn Martell|her father's]] death.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}
##* Queen [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]]'s "true love", according to Maester [[Smike]] of [[Fair Isle]], was Lady [[Elissa Farman]].{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}} Furthermore, Rhaena had numerous female favorites throughout her life, including [[Larissa Velaryon]], [[Samantha Stokeworth]], [[Melony Piper]], and [[Alayne Royce]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
##* Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and Lady [[Laena Velaryon]] may have had an affair. It is possibly alluded that Laena was attracted to women, as the maester of [[Driftmark]] noted that Laena showed "far more interest in flying than in boys", and it is stated that Rhaenyra was "fond and more than fond of her good-sister Lady Laena."{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} All other instances of the descriptor "more than fond" refer to romantic or presumed to be romantic relationships—[[Samwell Tarly]]'s relationship with [[Gilly]],{{Ref|ASOS|75}} [[Lothor Brune]]'s relationship with [[Mya Stone]],{{Ref|AFFC|41}} Rhaena Targaryen's relationship with [[Androw Farman]],{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} and [[Daemon Targaryen]]'s relationship with [[Nettles]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
##* Lady [[Sabitha Vypren]], married to Lord [[Forrest Frey]], was said to have been "fond of killing men and kissing women",{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}} possibly suggesting a sexual attraction to women only. [[Alysanne Blackwood]] was rumored to be her lover.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
##* [[Satin]] worked as a male prostitute in Oldtown,{{Ref|ADWD|10}}{{Ref|ADWD|39}}{{Ref|ASOS|55}} though his personal sexual preference is not stated.
##* [[Tyanna of the Tower|Tyanna of Pentos]] was said to be not only the [[paramour]] of King [[Maegor I Targaryen]], but also of his wife, Queen [[Alys Harroway]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
##* [[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]], implied to be gay. Daenerys notices that Xaro surrounds himself with "beautiful boys",{{Ref|ACOK|40}} and that he is not interested in looking at her exposed breast when she is wearing a [[Qartheen gown]] unlike the other men present.{{Ref|ADWD|16}}
# Multiple characters have displayed sexual attraction towards or have had sexual relations with both genders:
#* [[Ellaria Sand]]{{Ref|ASOS|36}}{{Ref|ASOS|66}}
#* [[Oberyn Martell]]{{Ref|ASOS|36}}
#* [[Daenerys Targaryen]], who had previously been married to [[Drogo]] and has expressed sexual attraction to men since then on several occasions, has had several sexual encounters with [[Irri]], her handmaiden, although she does not appear to be sexually attracted to her.{{Ref|ASOS|23}}{{Ref|ASOS|71}}
#* [[Cersei Lannister]] has had a sexual encounter with [[Taena of Myr]], initiated by Cersei because she was curious to feel "whatever Robert felt on the nights he took her", as well as "see if it would be as easy with a woman as it had always been with Robert". She finds no pleasure in the act.{{Ref|AFFC|32}}
# Intersex
#* Only one named intersex character has ever appeared: [[Sweets]], one of the lead slaves in [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]]'s private menagerie of slaves with physical oddities, and also one of his bedwarmers. Sweets is referred to by other characters as a "hermaphrodite".
#* [[Canker Jeyne]] is a whore "of uncertain sex",{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}} and Arya believes she is really a man.{{Ref|AFFC|34}} Jeyne may be intersex, transgender, or gender non-conforming.
#* Queen [[Jeyne Westerling (wife of Maegor I)|Jeyne Westerling]] gave birth to a stillborn child possessing both male and female genitalia.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
# Crossdressers
#* [[Danny Flint]], a woman dressed as a man to join the [[Night's Watch]].{{Ref|ADWD|58}}
#* The [[Goodwife (fool)|Goodwife]], the first fool at the royal court in the [[Red Keep]], dressed as a woman.{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}}
#* King [[Loreon V Lannister]], a [[King of the Rock]] of [[House Lannister]] of [[Casterly Rock]], was fond of dressing in his wife's clothing and wandering the docks of [[Lannisport]] in the guise of a common whore. He subsequently became known as "Queen Lorea".{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Westerlands}}
#* [[Lysono Maar]], a [[spymaster]] in service to the [[Golden Company]], made up as a woman.{{Ref|ADWD|24}}<ref name=Ar2>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Arianne II (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne II]]</ref>
#* [[Racallio Ryndoon]], [[King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea|King of the Stepstones]], also cross-dressed frequently, and was sometimes referred to as "Queen Racallio."{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

While not discussed in the books itself, the sexuality of Ser [[Brynden Tully]] has been debated in the fandom. His stubborn intention to remain celibate and refusing marriage prospects from his [[Hoster Tully|brother]] and other riverlords have led some fan to speculate on Brynden being homosexual or asexual. [[George R. R. Martin]] has thus far not shed any light on why Brynden has chosen to remain unwed.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1204 Brynden Tully's Bachelorhood (March 19, 2002)]</ref>

==Societal Patterns of Gender and Sexuality in Westeros==
The societal patterns in Westeros are rather uniform in several aspects. However, several aspects are dependent on the different religions which are practiced in the [[Seven Kingdoms]], and can thus differ between regions.

The customs regarding inheritance and landownership are rather uniform throughout the Kingdoms. Male-preference [[w:primogeniture|primogeniture]] is customary, although not binding, for most nobles.<ref>Ran at [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/120966-errors-in-the-woiaf/&page=4#comment-6801531 A Forum of Ice and Fire]: "Primogeniture is customary, but not binding... especially not to a king. We have other examples of people being passed over, or potentially passed over, for others."</ref> A man's eldest son is his heir, followed by his second son, then his third son, and so on. In theory, the youngest son is followed in the line of succession by the eldest daughter, after whom come her sisters in birth order.{{Ref|AGOT|63}}{{Ref|ASOS|16}} A man's daughter inherits before her father’s brother.{{Ref|ADWD|44}} Although this custom originates from the [[Andals]],{{Ref|AFFC|13}} the nobles in the [[north]], where the influences of the Andals are minimal and the influences of the [[First Men]] remain strong, appear to follow a similar view on inheritance. Only [[Dorne]] stands out as an exception, as there no distinction is made between sons and daughters. Instead, children inherit in order of birth regardless of gender, as per [[Rhoynish]] custom.{{Ref|AGOT|appendix}} In the case of an inheriting female, her last name will be passed on to her children, instead of the name of her husband.{{Ref|ASOS|appendix}}<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Martell_Names_Inheritance The Martell Name’s Inheritance (June 13, 2001)]</ref> When a ruling lord dies and leaves no clear heir, his widow might lay claim upon his lands and rule until her own death (e.g., Lady [[Donella Hornwood]] and Lady [[Barbrey Dustin]]), and in such a case, might name an heir by herself.{{Ref|ADWD|37}}

As such, although the rule of a seat of lands is frequently in male hands, women can inherit lands and have certain political power in their own right.<ref group="N">See the [[:Category:Ruling ladies|list of noblewomen ruling in their own right]].</ref>

===Faith of the Seven===
[[File:Loras Tyrell and Renly Baratheon by Jroahn.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Loras Tyrell]] and [[Renly Baratheon]], by [https://jroahn.tumblr.com/ Jroahn] ]]
The [[Faith of the Seven]] contains both a male clergy, [[septon]]s, and a female clergy, [[septa]]s. They are ruled over by a council of the highest ranking septons and septas, called the [[Most Devout]]. Regardless, the head of the Faith, called the [[High Septon]], who is usually elected from among the Most Devout, is always male.

The Faith of the Seven only allows marriages between one man and one woman.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}} Furthermore, [[Incest|incest]], defined as a sexual relationship between father and daughter, mother and son, or brother and sister, is considered to be a vile sin by the Faith. Any children born from such unions are considered abominations.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} Cousin [[marriage]]s are not considered incest by the Faith,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} and are relatively common among the nobility of [[Westeros]].<ref group="N">Examples of cousin marriages are Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] and [[Joanna Lannister]] (first cousins), as well as Lord [[Paxter Redwyne]] and [[Mina Tyrell]] (first cousins). The exact cousin relationship is unknown in the marriages of [[Jon Arryn]] and [[Rowena Arryn]], [[Shella Whent]] and [[Walter Whent]], [[Benfrey Frey]] and [[Jyanna Frey]], [[Alys Frey]] and [[Jared Frey]]. Further, a marriage has been proposed between [[Robert Arryn]] and [[Sansa Stark]] (first cousins).</ref> In contrast, in the real Middle Ages incest was broadly defined as marriage between third cousins or closer (though the definition varied considerably over the centuries).<ref name=RuthMazo/>

Further, the Faith disapproves of homosexual relationships – be they a relationship between two men or a relationship between two women.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}} Nonetheless, homosexual relationships do occur in Westeros, although they are usually kept secret. A notable example is the relationship of Lord [[Renly Baratheon]] and Ser [[Loras Tyrell]], confirmed by [[George R. R. Martin]].<ref name=ssm1>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/5457/ Union Square Signing (July 14, 2011)]</ref><ref name=ssm2>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/To_Be_Continued_Chicago_IL_May_6_8/ To Be Continued (Chicago, IL; May 6-8) (May 06, 2005)]</ref> In [[Dorne]], however, views are considerably less strict, as the Dornish do not see it as a concern if two or more men or women are together.

According to the Faith, men and women were shaped as they are for begetting trueborn children,{{Ref|AFFC|36}} and as such, children born in wedlock are said to be "blessed by the [[Father (the Seven)|Father]] and [[Mother (the Seven)|Mother]].{{Ref|TSS}} Although it is not considered to be unexpected for noblemen to have bastard children by followers of the Faith,{{Ref|AGOT|6}} the Faith does not consider bastards trustworthy.{{Ref|TSS}} Regardless, they allow female bastards to become septas,<ref group="N">Examples include [[Alysanne (daughter of Aegon IV)|Alysanne]], [[Lily]], [[Willow (daughter of Aegon IV)|Willow]], and [[Rosey (daughter of Aegon IV)|Rosey]], the four bastard daughters of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] by his second mistress, [[Megette]] (''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'', The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV)</ref> Potentially, this might mean that male bastards could become [[septon]]s. Male bastards can also receive [[knight]]hood, which requires them to stand vigil in a sept the night before one receives knighthood.{{Ref|AGOT|56}}{{Ref|THK}}

The Faith considers it to be base and sinful for women to practice prostitution,{{Ref|AFFC|36}} although brothels can be found everywhere in Westeros. Additionally, the Faith considers it sinful for women to commit adultery.{{Ref|ADWD|54}} Their view on men committing adultery is not known.

Regardless of the opinions of the Faith, however, members of the society do frequently engage in sexual behaviors the Faith criticizes, such as adultery, homosexual behavior, and prostitution.

===Old gods===
The [[old gods]] of the [[First Men]] still hold sway in the northern-most kingdom of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], as well as in the lands [[beyond the Wall]]. There is no organized priesthood,{{Ref|ADWD|37}} nor are there holy texts.

Incest,{{Ref|ACOK|34}} kinslaying,{{Ref|ACOK|52}} and slavery{{Ref|ASOS|24}} are considered offensive to the gods. The custom of [[guest right]], on the other hand, is both a sacred and ancient rule,{{Ref|ASOS|7}} taken very seriously [[beyond the Wall|north]]{{Ref|ACOK|23}}{{Ref|ASOS|7}} and [[north|south]] of the [[Wall]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}} – whereas this custom looms far less in the southron kingdoms.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}} There, breaking the guest right is rare, but when it occurs, is punished similarly to the direst of treasons.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}} The origins of the old custom of the [[first night]], which gave the Lords in Westeros the right to bedding newly-wed women before their husbands did, are unknown. However, although the first night was abolished two centuries ago,{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|ADWD|43}} where the old gods rule, the old custom is still practiced, albeit illegally, in some parts of the [[north]].{{Ref|ADWD|32}}

First cousin marriage is not considered incest under the Faith of the Seven, and the same seems to be true of those who follow the Old Gods in the North (though whether this was always the case, or changed over the centuries due to Andal influence, is unknown).<ref group="N">For example, [[Eddard Stark]]'s own parents [[Rickard Stark]] and [[Lyarra Stark]] were first cousins once removed - Lyarra's surname was already "Stark" before she was married. Both of them followed the Old Gods.</ref>

Although [[polygamy]] is absent from the society south of the Wall, several members of the [[free folk]] are known to practice such [[marriage]] [[customs]]. [[Craster]] has nineteen wives,{{Ref|ACOK|23}} and [[Ygon Oldfather]] eighteen.{{Ref|ADWD|69}} In notable contrast with lands south of the Wall, where first cousin marriage is relatively common, the free folk consider it to be [[Incest|incest]]: [[Ygritte]] says that the wildlings avoid marrying "clan kin", but will instead travel to find brides in lands as far away from their own as possible - believing that new blood will strengthen them and avoid inbreeding.{{Ref|ASOS|26}}

While the followers of the old gods south of the [[Wall]] have similar views on gender roles in battle than the rest of Westeros, north of the [[Wall]], female warriors are far more common. The term "spearwives" is used to describe these [[wildling]] women.{{Ref|ACOK|51}}{{Ref|ACOK|68}} Female warriors are also found among the [[Vale mountain clans|hill tribes]] of the [[Mountains of the Moon]] along the borders of [[The Vale of Arryn]], descended from [[First Men]] who were pushed into the mountains during the [[Andal Invasion]]. The hill tribes led by various chieftains, which can be men or women. An example of the latter is [[Chella]], chieftainess of the [[Black Ears]]. The hill tribes feel that every man's voice must be heard in open council, and even allow their women to speak as well.{{Ref|AGOT|56}}

===Drowned God===
The [[Drowned God]] is worshiped by the [[ironborn]], and is the primary religion on the [[Iron Islands]]. They have an all-male clergy.

Strength and power are valued on the Iron Islands, and reavers are esteemed the most of all. From their raids, they bring captives, who serve their captors as thralls. Most of the male captives work in the fields or mines. A few, the sons of lords, knights, and rich merchants, might be ransomed for [[currency|gold]]. Thralls who can read, write, and do sums might serve as stewards, tutors, and scribes. Older women might become scullions, cooks, seamstresses, weavers, midwives, and such. However, most prized are young women. They might become serving girls, whores, household drudges, or wives to other thralls. However, the fairest, strongest, and most nubile are kept as salt wives.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}

The ironborn practice a form of limited polygamy: a man can have one true- and freeborn "[[rock wife]]". However, he can also have multiple "[[salt wife|salt wives]]", usually women captured on raids. Salt wives are considered more than mere concubines, and any sons born of such unions are not considered [[bastard]]s, but can inherit should their father have no surviving sons by his rock wife. The number of salt wives a man can support is considered to be an indication of his power, wealth, and virility.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}{{Ref|ACOK|11}}

Although women can inherit on the Iron Islands, they are still considered to be the weaker sex.{{Ref|AFFC|29}} In ancient times, the ironborn had an elective monarchy, in which all the lords and ship captains of the isles gathered to vote for one of their members to be the new king.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands: Driftwood Crowns}} While women can captain their own ship (e.g., [[Asha Greyjoy]]), the majority of captains are male. When Asha Greyjoy, the daughter of the recently deceased King [[Balon Greyjoy]], put forward her candidacy, she is permitted to stand in the moot,{{Ref|AFFC|18}} although [[Aeron Greyjoy]] is certain that no woman will ever rule the ironborn.{{Ref|AFFC|1}}

Regular ironborn lords generally seem to follow the same male-preference inheritance law as mainland Westeros. [[Gwynesse Harlaw]] insists that she should rule the [[Ten Towers]], the seat of [[House Harlaw]], instead of her brother [[Rodrik Harlaw|Rodrik]], as she is seven years his elder.{{Ref|AFFC|11}} Asha Greyjoy also tried to convince her uncle Victarion to name her his [[Hand of the King|Hand]] as a compromise, though he declined.{{Ref|AFFC|18}}

[[Victarion Greyjoy]] felt that Maester [[Kerwin]] "looked more girlish than most girls", and did not react surprised when informed that Kerwin had been dragged below decks and used by some of the crew "as a woman".{{Ref|ADWD|56}} This matches the pattern of Top/Bottom dichotomy often found in strongly male dominated societies, such as the real-life pagan Vikings on which the ironborn are based.<ref name=RuthMazo/>

==Societal Patterns of Gender and Sexuality Beyond Westeros==
===Valyrian Freehold===
In the [[Valyrian Freehold]] it had been custom among the [[dragonlord]]s to marry brother to sister, or, if that was not possible, an uncle to a niece, or an aunt to a nephew (and beyond that, to as close a cousin as possible). This allowed them to keep the bloodline pure. Although [[polygamy|polygamous marriages]] were less common, this practice was accepted as well.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} After converting to the [[Faith of the Seven]], [[House Targaryen]] continued their incestuous marriage customs, despite the fact that the Faith considered incest to be a vile sin.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} The [[Doctrine of Exceptionalism]] was devised at the behest of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] to reconcile the Faith's doctrine with House Targaryen practices.{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}}

It is unclear if the ancient Valyrians even made a distinction between male-preference or equal primogeniture; It appears that if the firstborn child was a daughter, she would be wed to her eldest subsequent brother, thereby preventing a conflict over the succession. [[Aegon I Targaryen]] was said to have been expected to marry his older sister [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]] "by tradition" – and though he did so, he married his [[Rhaenys Targaryen|younger sister]] as well.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} During the [[Century of Blood]], Lord [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Gaemon)|Aegon Targaryen]] and his sister-wife [[Elaena Targaryen (daughter of Gaemon)|Elaena Targaryen]] were said to have ruled [[Dragonstone]] jointly.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}{{Ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}} Valyria had both male and female [[dragonrider]]s, such as the famed explorer [[Jaenara Belaerys]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos}} This tradition continued after the [[Doom of Valyria|Doom]], as [[House Targaryen]] had many female dragonriders until the eventual deaths of the dragons.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} It is said that several cities throughout the Freehold were governed by "men and women sent out from Valyria", implying that it was not unusual to see women in formal positions of power.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities}}

===Free Cities===
Eight of the nine [[Free Cities]] are colonies founded by the Valyrian Freehold. Each of the nine city-states has its own culture and social patterns:

*'''[[Braavos]]''': The ruler of Braavos is the [[Sealord of Braavos|Sealord]]. Instead of hereditary succession, the Sealord is chosen by Braavosi [[magister]]s and [[keyholders]] through a convoluted process,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Braavos}} and serves for life. The keyholders involved in the vote of the new Sealord are the descendants of the twenty-three founders of the [[Iron Bank of Braavos]]. The original twenty-three keyholders comprised sixteen men and seven women. Their descendants now exceed one thousand.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Braavos}} Courtesans are held in high esteem among the upper social circles of Braavos - many of whom own their own boats and answer to no one.
*'''[[Lorath]]:''' Lorath was founded as a Valyrian colony by the worshipers of [[Boash]]. They considered all humans to be equal before their god, and thus saw women as equal to men in all matters. This denial of the self extended to the point that adherents came to refer to themselves and others using indefinite pronouns; they did not use names, and referred to themselves as "a man" and "a woman", instead of saying "I", "me", or "mine". While the cult of Boash has long gone extinct, certain of these speaking habits are still used in Lorath today. Nobles regard it as vulgar to speak of one's self directly.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Lorath}} When one of the [[Faceless Men]] of [[Braavos]] uses the identity of "[[Jaqen H'ghar]]" of Lorath, he uses this speech pattern.{{Ref|ACOK|5}}
*'''[[Lys]]:''' Lys is famed for its bed-slaves, and Lyseni are known to be famously voracious in their search for comely young boys and fair maids with their [[pillow house]]s. Lys is also known for the breeding of slaves, mating beauty with beauty, hoping to produce the most lovely courtesans and bedslaves. Aptly, many Lyseni worship a love goddess whose naked, wanton figure graces their coinage.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}}
*'''[[Norvos]]:''' Ruled by a council of [[magister]]s chosen by the [[bearded priests]], who are the only Norvoshi men allowed to have beards. Freeborn men from Norvos, both noble and lowborn, favor long mustachios; [[Byan Votyris]], for instance, dyes his mustachio blue and sweeps it to his ears.{{Ref|AGOT|54}} [[Slaves]] are shaved bare. Norvoshi women also shave off all of their hair, though noblewomen don wigs when in the company of men from other lands and cities.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Norvos}} Once they are initiated, the bearded priests are in fact forbidden to cut or shave their hair. Additionally, they practice ritual flagellation as part of their worship.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Norvos}}
*'''[[Pentos]]:''' Pentos is ruled over by [[Prince of Pentos|a prince]] with a council of rich [[magister]]s. The prince has a mostly ceremonial function, however, while the magisters rule. The prince is chosen from forty families,{{Ref|ADWD|1}} and must deflower two maidens, the maid of the sea and the maid of the fields, each new year to ensure prosperity on land and sea. If there is famine or war is lost, the magisters sacrifice the prince and slit his throat to appease the gods, then choose a new prince.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Pentos}}{{Ref|ADWD|1}}
*'''[[Volantis]]:''' Volantis is ruled by three [[Triarch of Volantis|triarchs]], chosen annually through festive and tumultuous elections. All freeborn who own land, regardless of gender, are allowed to vote.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Volantis}}{{Ref|ADWD|27}}{{Ref|ADWD|6}} They are chosen from among the noble families who can prove [[Old Blood|unbroken descent from old Valyria]], and will serve until the first day of the new year.{{Ref|ADWD|6}} The triarchs are chosen from the two political parties in Volantis: the elephants and the tigers. Some of the first elephants were women, one of whom, [[Trianna]], was returned four times. Volantis has not had a female triarch for three hundred years.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

Most of the free cities are home to temples to multiple gods, and have no specific religion practiced within the city walls. The followers of [[R'hllor]], the Lord of Light, have grown greatly in number over the past few centuries,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Braavos}} and so, the red priesthood of R'hllor holds sway in all of the free cities and often wields considerable power.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} The red priesthood buys their slaves as children and makes them priests (both male and female), temple prostitutes, or warriors.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Volantis}}{{Ref|ADWD|27}} [[Red temple]]s can be found in Braavos,{{Ref|AFFC|6}} Lys,{{Ref|ACOK|10}} Myr,{{Ref|ASOS|43}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} Pentos,{{Ref|ADWD|1}} Tyrosh,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} Volantis,{{Ref|ADWD|27}} [[Selhorys]] (which falls under Volantis's regulation),{{Ref|ADWD|22}} and likely Qohor.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

One deity of note that is worshipped in Essos is [[Yndros of the Twilight]], who is male by day and female by night. Acolytes of Yndros can supposedly transform themselves from male to female (and vice-versa) in the act of love. [[Marra Rogare]] claimed sanctuary at the temple of Yndros in Lys wearing man's garb; while it was rumored that [[Larra Rogare]], who worshipped Yndros alongside several other gods, used the powers of Yndros to visit the brothels of King's Landing as a man.{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

===Slaver's Bay===
Women can come to rule over aristicratic families in [[Meereen]] in at least some circumstances. After [[Daenerys Targaryen]]'s conquest of the city, many of the aristocratic families are subsequently led by daughters, sisters, and widows who lost male family members in the fall of the city.{{Ref|ADWD|2}}

The religion of Slaver's Bay is led by the [[Graces]], an all-female priesthood. The [[Red Graces]] practice temple prostitution.{{Ref|ADWD|68}}

===Qarth===
The Qartheen dress in linen, samite and tiger fur. As per Qartheen fashion, women wear [[Qartheen gown]]s, which leave one breast exposed.{{Ref|ACOK|27}}{{Ref|ACOK|40}} Meanwhile, men favor beaded silk skirts, while warriors wear scaled, [[copper]] armor and snouted-helms with copper tusks and long, black silk plumes and some of its guards ride camels. Children might go about naked, wearing only golden sandals and [[Cosmetics|body paint]].{{Ref|ACOK|27}}

Qartheen men and women retain their possessions after [[marriage]]. However, there is a marriage custom where, on the day of the wedding, the groom may ask for any one item from his bride's possessions and the bride may ask for any one item of the groom's possessions. Whatever is asked by either cannot be denied. This is seen as a gift of devotion by the bride and groom to each other.{{Ref|ACOK|40}}

There are both men and women among the [[Undying Ones]], the chief [[warlocks]] of Qarth.{{Ref|ACOK|48}}

===Kingdom of Sarnor===
In the ancient [[kingdom of Sarnor]], women and men rode to battle alongside each other.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}

===Dothraki===
The [[Dothraki]] are mounted nomads whose warriors are all male. They travel in ''[[khalasar]]s'', which are always led by a male ''[[khal]]'', who in turn is protected by his three male [[bloodrider]]s. Meanwhile, their religious leaders are the all-female [[dosh khaleen]] ("council of crones"), the widows of dead khals, who assemble in [[Vaes Dothrak]].{{Ref|AGOT|48}} Their influence is not to be discounted; Even Khal [[Mengo]], who united all the Dothraki during the [[Century of Blood]], heavily relied upon the advice of his widowed mother, the purported witch-queen [[Doshi]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}

Among the [[Dothraki]], at least the [[Khal]] is known to be allowed to practice [[polygamy]]. For example, [[Khal]] [[Jommo]] is known to have four wives.{{Ref|AGOT|46}} Additionally, according to the "ancient ways", a Khal might share his [[Khaleesi]] with his [[bloodrider]]s, a custom still practiced in some [[khalasar]]s.{{Ref|AGOT|36}}

===Summer Islands===

The [[Summer Islands]] have very positive attitudes towards sex, seeing it as a joyous and life-affirming act given to humanity as a gift from the gods. They practice temple prostitution and sacred sex worship.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}

Summer Islander women are considered equal to men, often encountered as warriors, ship captains, or rulers in their own right.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}

===Thousand Islands===

Men and women from the [[Thousand Islands]] are completely hairless, with sickly skin. Women file their teeth down to points, while the men "slice the foreskins from their members"{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: East of Ib}} – making them the only culture in the known world described as practicing circumcision.

===Yi Ti===
The god-emperor of [[Yi Ti]] openly keeps dozens of court concubines, though it is unclear if lesser lords do the same.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}} The breakaway kingdom on the island of [[Leng]] is ruled by a matrilineal dynasty of god-empresses. By tradition, each empress takes two husbands: one from the ethnically Yi Tish settlers on the north of the island, and one from the native Lengii people remaining on the southern end.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Leng}} It is common for some high ranking court bureaucrats and government officials in Yi Ti to voluntarily become [[Eunuch|eunuchs]], so as not to be distracted from affairs of state.

===Bone Mountains===
The three surviving city-states of [[Bayasabhad]], [[Kayakayanaya]] and [[Samyriana]] have all-female warriors, due to the religious belief that only those who give life can take it. According to [[True Account of Addam of Duskendale's Journeys|Addam of Duskendale's account]], the warrior-women of the Bone Mountains go about bare breasted, with iron rings through their nipples.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}

===Jogos Nhai===
Each tribe of the [[Jogos Nhai]] is led by a ''jhat'' (war leader) and a moonsinger (combination of priestess, healer, and judge). The ''jhat'' is usually male and rules over external affairs, while the moonsingers are usually women, who rule over internal affairs. If a young male wishes to be a moonsinger, he can – although he must dress and live as a woman. Similarly, a young female who wishes to be a ''jhat'' must dress and live as a man. [[Zhea]] the Cruel, one of the most famous Jogos Nhai war-leaders in history, who united them all as ''jhat'' of ''jhats'' to smash the armies of Yi Ti, was himself born a biological female.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: The Plains of the Jogos Nhai}}

==Non-human races==
Not much is known about the cultures of non-human sapient races, who have dwindled to near-extinction in recent millennia.

*Scattered accounts of the Children of the Forest state that their females hunted and fought alongside their males.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Dawn Age}}
*Among the fur-covered, Sasquatch-like race of [[Giants]], it is observed that their females look very similar to their males{{Ref|ASOS|15}}{{Ref|AGOT|53}}
*As for "[[The Others]]", the "white walkers" of the [[Long Night]], there hasn't been any confirmation that they even have females - though the legend of the [[Night's King's corpse queen|Night's Queen]] (if true) seems to imply that this is possible. Old Nan's scary nursery stories claim that the Others kidnap human women to sire foul half-Other children with them - though this may just be a tale to frighten misbehaving children. Even if there are female Others, however, that doesn't necessarily mean they even reproduce at all - or whether they are ice demons of some sort, never "born", but just happening to have gender.

[[Dragons]], while not a sapient race but animals (albeit very intelligent ones), are still noteworthy for their relatively unusual reproductive biology. Dragons have no fixed gender differentiation - according to Barth and Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]], dragons are “but now one and now the other, as changeable as flame”,{{Ref|AFFC|35}} presumably meaning that they are able to [[w:Sequential hermaphroditism|change from one sex to the other]]. This knowledge was later lost, with many [[maesters]] doubting that was true. Maester [[Yandel]]'s commentary in ''[[The World of Ice and Fire (Yandel)|The World of Ice and Fire]]'' indicates he believed a dragon to be female if it had laid eggs. He took the fact that [[Vermax]] was never observed laying eggs as proof that it must have been male.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}}

==Prostitution==
:{{Main|Prostitution}}

==Contraception==

Condoms are not present in the medieval world of Westeros. In real life, medical treatises only start mentioning the existence of condoms (made of lambskin, linen, etc.) starting at the time of the Renaissance in the 1500s.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_condoms Wikipedia article on history of condoms]</ref> The only birth control that men ever make use of in Westeros is the withdrawal method (''Coitus interruptus'').<ref>[https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Concordance/Section/2.5.1./ Westeros.org Citadel - Concordance,] 2.5.1 Medicines and Poisons</ref>

Women may rely on several herbal mixtures as a means of contraception or abortion, most notably "[[Moon tea]]" (also known as "tansy tea").{{Ref|ASOS|80}}{{Ref|ASOS|15}} One of the main ingredients in moon tea is a drop of [[Pennyroyal]] - a main ingredient in several abortion drugs during the real-life Middle Ages.<ref name=RuthMazo>Ruth Mazo Karras, ''Sexuality in Medieval Europe: Doing Unto Others'' (Routledge, 2005, 2d ed. 2012)</ref>

The views of major religions in Westeros and beyond on contraception and abortion have not been stated. Women seem to obtain moon tea from itinerant [[Woods witch|woods witches]] at the fringes of society more often than they obtain it from [[maester]]s, although at least [[Margaery Tyrell]] is claimed to have requested moon tea from Grand Maester [[Pycelle]], for unspecified purpose.{{Ref|AFFC|39}} Devout members of the Faith oppose it, however, as when the High Sparrow listed off Margaery Tyrell's alleged sins he said that she took moon tea to "murder the fruit of her fornications".{{Ref|AFFC|43}} Given that the High Sparrow is a fanatic, it is unknown what the mainstream/everyday views of the Faith are towards moon tea - i.e. the High Sparrow also lists off adultery as a serious crime deserving heavy penance.

The Free Folk beyond the Wall similarly use moon tea for abortions: [[Tormund]] remarks to [[Jon Snow]] that if [[Ygritte]] doesn't want to be pregnant with his child she'll simply find a woods witch who can give her moon tea.{{Ref|ASOS|15}} Prostitutes in brothels frequently use moon tea.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

==Gender and Sexuality in real-life Medieval Europe==
The society of real-life Medieval Europe, like Greco-Roman societies before it, did not actually possess a binary of heterosexual versus homosexual. Instead, the sexual categories of the Greco-Romans were divided along a Top/Bottom dichotomy, between those who penetrate and those who get penetrated. Men who penetrated other men were seen as normal and masculine; only men who were penetrated were considered unusual or shamefully effeminate. Societies with Top/Bottom dichotomy, heavily defined by penetration, also often did not conceptually recognize female homosexuality, even to condemn it.<ref name=RuthMazo>Ruth Mazo Karras, ''Sexuality in Medieval Europe: Doing Unto Others'' (Routledge, 2005, 2d ed. 2012)</ref>

The society of Medieval Europe was similar to the older Greco-Roman models, with a Top/Bottom binary, given that both were male-dominated societies in which religious moral instruction was itself dominated by male priests. Pagan Viking culture in ancient Scandinavia similarly followed a Top/Bottom binary. The major difference is that Medieval Christianity came to practice clerical celibacy for monks and nuns, so that the fundamental division of society became between celibate or non-celibate (not heterosexual verus homosexual), and among the non-celibate, this was further divided into Top/Bottom binary. These patterns only ended with the massive social changes of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s, during which clerical celibacy was rejected by Protestants, and even the Catholic Church had to respond with a new emphasis on praising sex within marriage among the non-celibate.<ref name=RuthMazo/>

===Homosexuality in real-life Medieval Europe===
"Homosexuality" did not exist as a conceptual category in real-life Medieval Europe. It was seen as an action someone could perform, like adultery, but not as an exclusive category of identity. Given that the main social divide was between the celibate and the non-celibate, all non-procreative sex was frowned upon. A man receiving fellatio was condemned by the Church because it wasn't procreative, regardless of whether a woman or another man was performing it.<ref name=RuthMazo/>

Homosexual behaviors were seen as a venal sin of the flesh, rather than being heavily vilified. It was roughly on par with adultery or masturbation, both of which were frowned upon, but mass persecutions of homosexuals were not commonplace.

==Quotes==
{{Quote|Our bodies were shaped by our Father and Mother so we might join male to female and beget trueborn children. It is base and sinful for women to sell their holy parts for coin.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}|Septon [[Raynard]] to Cersei Lannister}}

{{Quote|There are other customs besides that mark the Dornish as different. They are not greatly concerned if a child is born in wedlock or out of it, especially if the child is born to a paramour. Many lords—and even some ladies—have paramours, chosen for love and lust rather than for breeding or alliance. And when it comes to matters of love, that a man might lie with another man, or a woman with another woman, is likewise not cause for concern—and while the septons have often wished to shepherd the Dornishmen to the righteous path, they have had little effect.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}}}}

{{Quote|The man's infamous, and not just for poisoning his sword. He has more [[bastard]]s than [[Robert Baratheon|Robert]], and beds with boys as well.{{Ref|ASOS|62}}|[[Jaime Lannister]] to [[Tywin Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|He knew the man only by reputation...but the reputation is fearsome...His tourneys, his battles, his duels, his horses, his carnality... it was said that he bedded men and women both, and had begotten bastard girls all over Dome.{{Ref|ASOS|38}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]; the very literal way that Jaime and Tyrion describe Oberyn's sexuality avoids using modern terms such as "homosexual" or "bisexual"}}

{{Quote|A man may prefer the taste of [[hippocras]], yet if you set a tankard of ale before him, he will quaff it quick enough.{{Ref|AFFC|3}}|[[Cersei Lannister]], speculating that [[Renly Baratheon]] may have deflowered [[Margaery Tyrell]], despite his inclinations towards her brother Loras}}

{{Quote|One objection was raised: Laenor Velaryon was now nineteen years of age yet had never shown any interest in women. Instead he surrounded himself with handsome squires of his own age and was said to prefer their company. But Grand Maester Mellos dismissed this concern out of hand. "What of it?" he is supposed to have said. "I am not fond of fish, but when fish is served, I eat it." Thus was the match decided.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|Archmaester [[Gyldayn]]'s history, on the decision to arrange a marriage alliance between Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and [[Laenor Velaryon]]}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

[[Category:Culture]]
[[Category:LGBT+ characters| ]]

Gender and sexuality

2025-12-09T19:59:13Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Yi Ti */

A variety of social patterns concerning '''gender and sexuality''' can be observed in the [[Known World]] of ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]''. Modern terms such as "gay", "homosexual", or "LGBT" do not appear in the novels. Moreover, no analogous in-universe term has ever been introduced.

For that matter, it is as yet unclear if "homosexuals" are even considered a conceptual category of persons in Westeros and beyond, given that this conceptual category did not actually exist in the real-wolrd [[w:Middle Ages|Middle Ages]]. For the simplicity of this article, those modern terms will be applied to the characters.

[[George R. R. Martin]] has declared that the world of ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' has no knowledge of genetics, so any more subtle chromosomal or hormonal conditions are unknown to them, only visible anatomical characteristics. When asked if [[Brienne of Tarth]] has a chromosomal condition, like [[w:Triple X syndrome|Triple X syndrome]], he responded that he did not know, because the [[maester]]s in-universe do not know what [[w:DNA|DNA]] is.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1147/ Brienne of Tarth (January 31, 2001)]</ref>

==Characters who have engaged in LGBT+ behaviors==
[[File:Jeyne Arryn and Jessamyn Redfort by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|[[Jeyne Arryn]] and [[Jessamyn Redfort]], by Riotarttherite]]
# Numerous characters have engaged in homosexual behavior or expressed desires for characters of the same gender:
## Explicitly confirmed:
##* Lord [[Alyn Cockshaw]], who was in love with Daemon II Blackfyre,{{Ref|TMK}} who did not return his feelings{{Ref|AWOIAF|Alyn Cockshaw}}
##* [[Bokkoko]], who is open about the fact that he has a male lover.<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', Tyrion II</ref>
##* [[Daemon II Blackfyre]], confirmed to be gay by [[George R. R. Martin]]<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGA6JHNI-oo Ideas at the House:] George R.R. Martin, Lena Headey & Michelle Fairley - 'Game of Thrones' , Nov 11, 2013</ref>
##* [[Essie]], who had a female paramour named [[Sylvenna Sand]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}}
##* Lord [[Jon Connington]], confirmed to be gay by George R. R. Martin<ref name="ssm1"/><ref name="unionsquare">[https://asoiafuniversity.tumblr.com/post/55280523592/here-is-the-transcript-i-took-down-myself-at-the Union Square Signing transcript]</ref>
##* Ser [[Loras Tyrell]], confirmed to be gay by George R. R. Martin and to have had a relationship with Renly Baratheon<ref name=ssm1/><ref name=ssm2/><ref name="unionsquare" />
##* Lord [[Renly Baratheon]], confirmed to be gay by George R. R. Martin and to have had a relationship with Loras Tyrell<ref name=ssm1/><ref name=ssm2/><ref name="unionsquare" />
## Implied to various degrees in the text:
##* [[Alf of Runnymudd]] and [[Garth Greyfeather]], two members of the [[Night's Watch]] who are implied to be in a relationship. When Garth is sent [[beyond the Wall]] by Lord Commander [[Jon Snow]] and is killed by the [[Weeper]], Alf lets out a howl of grief upon learning the news and has to be escorted to a bed and given mulled wine. Later, it is hinted that Alf is one of the four men who stabbed Jon Snow during the [[mutiny at Castle Black]].{{ref|ADWD|31}}{{ref|ADWD|69}}
##* Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Aegon V)|Daeron Targaryen]], who broke his betrothal at the age of eighteen, preferring the companionship of Ser [[Jeremy Norridge]] instead.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}
##* [[Hother Umber]] was robbed in [[Oldtown]] in his youth by a whore, who is rumored to have been a man.{{Ref|ADWD|17}}
##* A widespread rumor asserted that Lady [[Jeyne Arryn]] "preferred the intimate companionship of other women." She never wed{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} and her "dear companion," according to Archmaester [[Gyldayn]], was [[Jessamyn Redfort]].{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
##* Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]], said to have never shown any interest in women, instead preferring the company of handsome [[squire]]s and [[knight]]s his own age, such as Ser [[Joffrey Lonmouth]] and Ser [[Qarl Correy]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
##* Ser [[Lyn Corbray]], implied to be gay. According to Petyr Baelish, Lyn likes "boys".{{Ref|AFFC|23}}
##* [[Nymeria Sand]] is known to be very close to [[Jeyne Fowler|Jeyne]] and [[Jennelyn Fowler]],{{Ref|AFFC|40}} and was "abed" with them when learning of [[Oberyn Martell|her father's]] death.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}
##* Queen [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]]'s "true love", according to Maester [[Smike]] of [[Fair Isle]], was Lady [[Elissa Farman]].{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}} Furthermore, Rhaena had numerous female favorites throughout her life, including [[Larissa Velaryon]], [[Samantha Stokeworth]], [[Melony Piper]], and [[Alayne Royce]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
##* Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and Lady [[Laena Velaryon]] may have had an affair. It is possibly alluded that Laena was attracted to women, as the maester of [[Driftmark]] noted that Laena showed "far more interest in flying than in boys", and it is stated that Rhaenyra was "fond and more than fond of her good-sister Lady Laena."{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} All other instances of the descriptor "more than fond" refer to romantic or presumed to be romantic relationships—[[Samwell Tarly]]'s relationship with [[Gilly]],{{Ref|ASOS|75}} [[Lothor Brune]]'s relationship with [[Mya Stone]],{{Ref|AFFC|41}} Rhaena Targaryen's relationship with [[Androw Farman]],{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} and [[Daemon Targaryen]]'s relationship with [[Nettles]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
##* Lady [[Sabitha Vypren]], married to Lord [[Forrest Frey]], was said to have been "fond of killing men and kissing women",{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}} possibly suggesting a sexual attraction to women only. [[Alysanne Blackwood]] was rumored to be her lover.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
##* [[Satin]] worked as a male prostitute in Oldtown,{{Ref|ADWD|10}}{{Ref|ADWD|39}}{{Ref|ASOS|55}} though his personal sexual preference is not stated.
##* [[Tyanna of the Tower|Tyanna of Pentos]] was said to be not only the [[paramour]] of King [[Maegor I Targaryen]], but also of his wife, Queen [[Alys Harroway]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
##* [[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]], implied to be gay. Daenerys notices that Xaro surrounds himself with "beautiful boys",{{Ref|ACOK|40}} and that he is not interested in looking at her exposed breast when she is wearing a [[Qartheen gown]] unlike the other men present.{{Ref|ADWD|16}}
# Multiple characters have displayed sexual attraction towards or have had sexual relations with both genders:
#* [[Ellaria Sand]]{{Ref|ASOS|36}}{{Ref|ASOS|66}}
#* [[Oberyn Martell]]{{Ref|ASOS|36}}
#* [[Daenerys Targaryen]], who had previously been married to [[Drogo]] and has expressed sexual attraction to men since then on several occasions, has had several sexual encounters with [[Irri]], her handmaiden, although she does not appear to be sexually attracted to her.{{Ref|ASOS|23}}{{Ref|ASOS|71}}
#* [[Cersei Lannister]] has had a sexual encounter with [[Taena of Myr]], initiated by Cersei because she was curious to feel "whatever Robert felt on the nights he took her", as well as "see if it would be as easy with a woman as it had always been with Robert". She finds no pleasure in the act.{{Ref|AFFC|32}}
# Intersex
#* Only one named intersex character has ever appeared: [[Sweets]], one of the lead slaves in [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]]'s private menagerie of slaves with physical oddities, and also one of his bedwarmers. Sweets is referred to by other characters as a "hermaphrodite".
#* [[Canker Jeyne]] is a whore "of uncertain sex",{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}} and Arya believes she is really a man.{{Ref|AFFC|34}} Jeyne may be intersex, transgender, or gender non-conforming.
#* Queen [[Jeyne Westerling (wife of Maegor I)|Jeyne Westerling]] gave birth to a stillborn child possessing both male and female genitalia.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
# Crossdressers
#* [[Danny Flint]], a woman dressed as a man to join the [[Night's Watch]].{{Ref|ADWD|58}}
#* The [[Goodwife (fool)|Goodwife]], the first fool at the royal court in the [[Red Keep]], dressed as a woman.{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}}
#* King [[Loreon V Lannister]], a [[King of the Rock]] of [[House Lannister]] of [[Casterly Rock]], was fond of dressing in his wife's clothing and wandering the docks of [[Lannisport]] in the guise of a common whore. He subsequently became known as "Queen Lorea".{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Westerlands}}
#* [[Lysono Maar]], a [[spymaster]] in service to the [[Golden Company]], made up as a woman.{{Ref|ADWD|24}}<ref name=Ar2>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Arianne II (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne II]]</ref>
#* [[Racallio Ryndoon]], [[King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea|King of the Stepstones]], also cross-dressed frequently, and was sometimes referred to as "Queen Racallio."{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

While not discussed in the books itself, the sexuality of Ser [[Brynden Tully]] has been debated in the fandom. His stubborn intention to remain celibate and refusing marriage prospects from his [[Hoster Tully|brother]] and other riverlords have led some fan to speculate on Brynden being homosexual or asexual. [[George R. R. Martin]] has thus far not shed any light on why Brynden has chosen to remain unwed.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1204 Brynden Tully's Bachelorhood (March 19, 2002)]</ref>

==Societal Patterns of Gender and Sexuality in Westeros==
The societal patterns in Westeros are rather uniform in several aspects. However, several aspects are dependent on the different religions which are practiced in the [[Seven Kingdoms]], and can thus differ between regions.

The customs regarding inheritance and landownership are rather uniform throughout the Kingdoms. Male-preference [[w:primogeniture|primogeniture]] is customary, although not binding, for most nobles.<ref>Ran at [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/120966-errors-in-the-woiaf/&page=4#comment-6801531 A Forum of Ice and Fire]: "Primogeniture is customary, but not binding... especially not to a king. We have other examples of people being passed over, or potentially passed over, for others."</ref> A man's eldest son is his heir, followed by his second son, then his third son, and so on. In theory, the youngest son is followed in the line of succession by the eldest daughter, after whom come her sisters in birth order.{{Ref|AGOT|63}}{{Ref|ASOS|16}} A man's daughter inherits before her father’s brother.{{Ref|ADWD|44}} Although this custom originates from the [[Andals]],{{Ref|AFFC|13}} the nobles in the [[north]], where the influences of the Andals are minimal and the influences of the [[First Men]] remain strong, appear to follow a similar view on inheritance. Only [[Dorne]] stands out as an exception, as there no distinction is made between sons and daughters. Instead, children inherit in order of birth regardless of gender, as per [[Rhoynish]] custom.{{Ref|AGOT|appendix}} In the case of an inheriting female, her last name will be passed on to her children, instead of the name of her husband.{{Ref|ASOS|appendix}}<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Martell_Names_Inheritance The Martell Name’s Inheritance (June 13, 2001)]</ref> When a ruling lord dies and leaves no clear heir, his widow might lay claim upon his lands and rule until her own death (e.g., Lady [[Donella Hornwood]] and Lady [[Barbrey Dustin]]), and in such a case, might name an heir by herself.{{Ref|ADWD|37}}

As such, although the rule of a seat of lands is frequently in male hands, women can inherit lands and have certain political power in their own right.<ref group="N">See the [[:Category:Ruling ladies|list of noblewomen ruling in their own right]].</ref>

===Faith of the Seven===
[[File:Loras Tyrell and Renly Baratheon by Jroahn.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Loras Tyrell]] and [[Renly Baratheon]], by [https://jroahn.tumblr.com/ Jroahn] ]]
The [[Faith of the Seven]] contains both a male clergy, [[septon]]s, and a female clergy, [[septa]]s. They are ruled over by a council of the highest ranking septons and septas, called the [[Most Devout]]. Regardless, the head of the Faith, called the [[High Septon]], who is usually elected from among the Most Devout, is always male.

The Faith of the Seven only allows marriages between one man and one woman.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}} Furthermore, [[Incest|incest]], defined as a sexual relationship between father and daughter, mother and son, or brother and sister, is considered to be a vile sin by the Faith. Any children born from such unions are considered abominations.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} Cousin [[marriage]]s are not considered incest by the Faith,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} and are relatively common among the nobility of [[Westeros]].<ref group="N">Examples of cousin marriages are Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] and [[Joanna Lannister]] (first cousins), as well as Lord [[Paxter Redwyne]] and [[Mina Tyrell]] (first cousins). The exact cousin relationship is unknown in the marriages of [[Jon Arryn]] and [[Rowena Arryn]], [[Shella Whent]] and [[Walter Whent]], [[Benfrey Frey]] and [[Jyanna Frey]], [[Alys Frey]] and [[Jared Frey]]. Further, a marriage has been proposed between [[Robert Arryn]] and [[Sansa Stark]] (first cousins).</ref> In contrast, in the real Middle Ages incest was broadly defined as marriage between third cousins or closer (though the definition varied considerably over the centuries).<ref name=RuthMazo/>

Further, the Faith disapproves of homosexual relationships – be they a relationship between two men or a relationship between two women.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}} Nonetheless, homosexual relationships do occur in Westeros, although they are usually kept secret. A notable example is the relationship of Lord [[Renly Baratheon]] and Ser [[Loras Tyrell]], confirmed by [[George R. R. Martin]].<ref name=ssm1>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/5457/ Union Square Signing (July 14, 2011)]</ref><ref name=ssm2>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/To_Be_Continued_Chicago_IL_May_6_8/ To Be Continued (Chicago, IL; May 6-8) (May 06, 2005)]</ref> In [[Dorne]], however, views are considerably less strict, as the Dornish do not see it as a concern if two or more men or women are together.

According to the Faith, men and women were shaped as they are for begetting trueborn children,{{Ref|AFFC|36}} and as such, children born in wedlock are said to be "blessed by the [[Father (the Seven)|Father]] and [[Mother (the Seven)|Mother]].{{Ref|TSS}} Although it is not considered to be unexpected for noblemen to have bastard children by followers of the Faith,{{Ref|AGOT|6}} the Faith does not consider bastards trustworthy.{{Ref|TSS}} Regardless, they allow female bastards to become septas,<ref group="N">Examples include [[Alysanne (daughter of Aegon IV)|Alysanne]], [[Lily]], [[Willow (daughter of Aegon IV)|Willow]], and [[Rosey (daughter of Aegon IV)|Rosey]], the four bastard daughters of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] by his second mistress, [[Megette]] (''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'', The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV)</ref> Potentially, this might mean that male bastards could become [[septon]]s. Male bastards can also receive [[knight]]hood, which requires them to stand vigil in a sept the night before one receives knighthood.{{Ref|AGOT|56}}{{Ref|THK}}

The Faith considers it to be base and sinful for women to practice prostitution,{{Ref|AFFC|36}} although brothels can be found everywhere in Westeros. Additionally, the Faith considers it sinful for women to commit adultery.{{Ref|ADWD|54}} Their view on men committing adultery is not known.

Regardless of the opinions of the Faith, however, members of the society do frequently engage in sexual behaviors the Faith criticizes, such as adultery, homosexual behavior, and prostitution.

===Old gods===
The [[old gods]] of the [[First Men]] still hold sway in the northern-most kingdom of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], as well as in the lands [[beyond the Wall]]. There is no organized priesthood,{{Ref|ADWD|37}} nor are there holy texts.

Incest,{{Ref|ACOK|34}} kinslaying,{{Ref|ACOK|52}} and slavery{{Ref|ASOS|24}} are considered offensive to the gods. The custom of [[guest right]], on the other hand, is both a sacred and ancient rule,{{Ref|ASOS|7}} taken very seriously [[beyond the Wall|north]]{{Ref|ACOK|23}}{{Ref|ASOS|7}} and [[north|south]] of the [[Wall]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}} – whereas this custom looms far less in the southron kingdoms.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}} There, breaking the guest right is rare, but when it occurs, is punished similarly to the direst of treasons.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}} The origins of the old custom of the [[first night]], which gave the Lords in Westeros the right to bedding newly-wed women before their husbands did, are unknown. However, although the first night was abolished two centuries ago,{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|ADWD|43}} where the old gods rule, the old custom is still practiced, albeit illegally, in some parts of the [[north]].{{Ref|ADWD|32}}

First cousin marriage is not considered incest under the Faith of the Seven, and the same seems to be true of those who follow the Old Gods in the North (though whether this was always the case, or changed over the centuries due to Andal influence, is unknown).<ref group="N">For example, [[Eddard Stark]]'s own parents [[Rickard Stark]] and [[Lyarra Stark]] were first cousins once removed - Lyarra's surname was already "Stark" before she was married. Both of them followed the Old Gods.</ref>

Although [[polygamy]] is absent from the society south of the Wall, several members of the [[free folk]] are known to practice such [[marriage]] [[customs]]. [[Craster]] has nineteen wives,{{Ref|ACOK|23}} and [[Ygon Oldfather]] eighteen.{{Ref|ADWD|69}} In notable contrast with lands south of the Wall, where first cousin marriage is relatively common, the free folk consider it to be [[Incest|incest]]: [[Ygritte]] says that the wildlings avoid marrying "clan kin", but will instead travel to find brides in lands as far away from their own as possible - believing that new blood will strengthen them and avoid inbreeding.{{Ref|ASOS|26}}

While the followers of the old gods south of the [[Wall]] have similar views on gender roles in battle than the rest of Westeros, north of the [[Wall]], female warriors are far more common. The term "spearwives" is used to describe these [[wildling]] women.{{Ref|ACOK|51}}{{Ref|ACOK|68}} Female warriors are also found among the [[Vale mountain clans|hill tribes]] of the [[Mountains of the Moon]] along the borders of [[The Vale of Arryn]], descended from [[First Men]] who were pushed into the mountains during the [[Andal Invasion]]. The hill tribes led by various chieftains, which can be men or women. An example of the latter is [[Chella]], chieftainess of the [[Black Ears]]. The hill tribes feel that every man's voice must be heard in open council, and even allow their women to speak as well.{{Ref|AGOT|56}}

===Drowned God===
The [[Drowned God]] is worshiped by the [[ironborn]], and is the primary religion on the [[Iron Islands]]. They have an all-male clergy.

Strength and power are valued on the Iron Islands, and reavers are esteemed the most of all. From their raids, they bring captives, who serve their captors as thralls. Most of the male captives work in the fields or mines. A few, the sons of lords, knights, and rich merchants, might be ransomed for [[currency|gold]]. Thralls who can read, write, and do sums might serve as stewards, tutors, and scribes. Older women might become scullions, cooks, seamstresses, weavers, midwives, and such. However, most prized are young women. They might become serving girls, whores, household drudges, or wives to other thralls. However, the fairest, strongest, and most nubile are kept as salt wives.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}

The ironborn practice a form of limited polygamy: a man can have one true- and freeborn "[[rock wife]]". However, he can also have multiple "[[salt wife|salt wives]]", usually women captured on raids. Salt wives are considered more than mere concubines, and any sons born of such unions are not considered [[bastard]]s, but can inherit should their father have no surviving sons by his rock wife. The number of salt wives a man can support is considered to be an indication of his power, wealth, and virility.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}{{Ref|ACOK|11}}

Although women can inherit on the Iron Islands, they are still considered to be the weaker sex.{{Ref|AFFC|29}} In ancient times, the ironborn had an elective monarchy, in which all the lords and ship captains of the isles gathered to vote for one of their members to be the new king.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands: Driftwood Crowns}} While women can captain their own ship (e.g., [[Asha Greyjoy]]), the majority of captains are male. When Asha Greyjoy, the daughter of the recently deceased King [[Balon Greyjoy]], put forward her candidacy, she is permitted to stand in the moot,{{Ref|AFFC|18}} although [[Aeron Greyjoy]] is certain that no woman will ever rule the ironborn.{{Ref|AFFC|1}}

Regular ironborn lords generally seem to follow the same male-preference inheritance law as mainland Westeros. [[Gwynesse Harlaw]] insists that she should rule the [[Ten Towers]], the seat of [[House Harlaw]], instead of her brother [[Rodrik Harlaw|Rodrik]], as she is seven years his elder.{{Ref|AFFC|11}} Asha Greyjoy also tried to convince her uncle Victarion to name her his [[Hand of the King|Hand]] as a compromise, though he declined.{{Ref|AFFC|18}}

[[Victarion Greyjoy]] felt that Maester [[Kerwin]] "looked more girlish than most girls", and did not react surprised when informed that Kerwin had been dragged below decks and used by some of the crew "as a woman".{{Ref|ADWD|56}} This matches the pattern of Top/Bottom dichotomy often found in strongly male dominated societies, such as the real-life pagan Vikings on which the ironborn are based.<ref name=RuthMazo/>

==Societal Patterns of Gender and Sexuality Beyond Westeros==
===Valyrian Freehold===
In the [[Valyrian Freehold]] it had been custom among the [[dragonlord]]s to marry brother to sister, or, if that was not possible, an uncle to a niece, or an aunt to a nephew (and beyond that, to as close a cousin as possible). This allowed them to keep the bloodline pure. Although [[polygamy|polygamous marriages]] were less common, this practice was accepted as well.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} After converting to the [[Faith of the Seven]], [[House Targaryen]] continued their incestuous marriage customs, despite the fact that the Faith considered incest to be a vile sin.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} The [[Doctrine of Exceptionalism]] was devised at the behest of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] to reconcile the Faith's doctrine with House Targaryen practices.{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}}

It is unclear if the ancient Valyrians even made a distinction between male-preference or equal primogeniture; It appears that if the firstborn child was a daughter, she would be wed to her eldest subsequent brother, thereby preventing a conflict over the succession. [[Aegon I Targaryen]] was said to have been expected to marry his older sister [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]] "by tradition" – and though he did so, he married his [[Rhaenys Targaryen|younger sister]] as well.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} During the [[Century of Blood]], Lord [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Gaemon)|Aegon Targaryen]] and his sister-wife [[Elaena Targaryen (daughter of Gaemon)|Elaena Targaryen]] were said to have ruled [[Dragonstone]] jointly.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}{{Ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}} Valyria had both male and female [[dragonrider]]s, such as the famed explorer [[Jaenara Belaerys]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos}} This tradition continued after the [[Doom of Valyria|Doom]], as [[House Targaryen]] had many female dragonriders until the eventual deaths of the dragons.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} It is said that several cities throughout the Freehold were governed by "men and women sent out from Valyria", implying that it was not unusual to see women in formal positions of power.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities}}

===Free Cities===
Eight of the nine [[Free Cities]] are colonies founded by the Valyrian Freehold. Each of the nine city-states has its own culture and social patterns:

*'''[[Braavos]]''': The ruler of Braavos is the [[Sealord of Braavos|Sealord]]. Instead of hereditary succession, the Sealord is chosen by Braavosi [[magister]]s and [[keyholders]] through a convoluted process,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Braavos}} and serves for life. The keyholders involved in the vote of the new Sealord are the descendants of the twenty-three founders of the [[Iron Bank of Braavos]]. The original twenty-three keyholders comprised sixteen men and seven women. Their descendants now exceed one thousand.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Braavos}} Courtesans are held in high esteem among the upper social circles of Braavos - many of whom own their own boats and answer to no one.
*'''[[Lorath]]:''' Lorath was founded as a Valyrian colony by the worshipers of [[Boash]]. They considered all humans to be equal before their god, and thus saw women as equal to men in all matters. This denial of the self extended to the point that adherents came to refer to themselves and others using indefinite pronouns; they did not use names, and referred to themselves as "a man" and "a woman", instead of saying "I", "me", or "mine". While the cult of Boash has long gone extinct, certain of these speaking habits are still used in Lorath today. Nobles regard it as vulgar to speak of one's self directly.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Lorath}} When one of the [[Faceless Men]] of [[Braavos]] uses the identity of "[[Jaqen H'ghar]]" of Lorath, he uses this speech pattern.{{Ref|ACOK|5}}
*'''[[Lys]]:''' Lys is famed for its bed-slaves, and Lyseni are known to be famously voracious in their search for comely young boys and fair maids with their [[pillow house]]s. Lys is also known for the breeding of slaves, mating beauty with beauty, hoping to produce the most lovely courtesans and bedslaves. Aptly, many Lyseni worship a love goddess whose naked, wanton figure graces their coinage.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}}
*'''[[Norvos]]:''' Ruled by a council of [[magister]]s chosen by the [[bearded priests]], who are the only Norvoshi men allowed to have beards. Freeborn men from Norvos, both noble and lowborn, favor long mustachios; [[Byan Votyris]], for instance, dyes his mustachio blue and sweeps it to his ears.{{Ref|AGOT|54}} [[Slaves]] are shaved bare. Norvoshi women also shave off all of their hair, though noblewomen don wigs when in the company of men from other lands and cities.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Norvos}} Once they are initiated, the bearded priests are in fact forbidden to cut or shave their hair. Additionally, they practice ritual flagellation as part of their worship.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Norvos}}
*'''[[Pentos]]:''' Pentos is ruled over by [[Prince of Pentos|a prince]] with a council of rich [[magister]]s. The prince has a mostly ceremonial function, however, while the magisters rule. The prince is chosen from forty families,{{Ref|ADWD|1}} and must deflower two maidens, the maid of the sea and the maid of the fields, each new year to ensure prosperity on land and sea. If there is famine or war is lost, the magisters sacrifice the prince and slit his throat to appease the gods, then choose a new prince.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Pentos}}{{Ref|ADWD|1}}
*'''[[Volantis]]:''' Volantis is ruled by three [[Triarch of Volantis|triarchs]], chosen annually through festive and tumultuous elections. All freeborn who own land, regardless of gender, are allowed to vote.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Volantis}}{{Ref|ADWD|27}}{{Ref|ADWD|6}} They are chosen from among the noble families who can prove [[Old Blood|unbroken descent from old Valyria]], and will serve until the first day of the new year.{{Ref|ADWD|6}} The triarchs are chosen from the two political parties in Volantis: the elephants and the tigers. Some of the first elephants were women, one of whom, [[Trianna]], was returned four times. Volantis has not had a female triarch for three hundred years.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

Most of the free cities are home to temples to multiple gods, and have no specific religion practiced within the city walls. The followers of [[R'hllor]], the Lord of Light, have grown greatly in number over the past few centuries,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Braavos}} and so, the red priesthood of R'hllor holds sway in all of the free cities and often wields considerable power.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} The red priesthood buys their slaves as children and makes them priests (both male and female), temple prostitutes, or warriors.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Volantis}}{{Ref|ADWD|27}} [[Red temple]]s can be found in Braavos,{{Ref|AFFC|6}} Lys,{{Ref|ACOK|10}} Myr,{{Ref|ASOS|43}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} Pentos,{{Ref|ADWD|1}} Tyrosh,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} Volantis,{{Ref|ADWD|27}} [[Selhorys]] (which falls under Volantis's regulation),{{Ref|ADWD|22}} and likely Qohor.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

One deity of note that is worshipped in Essos is [[Yndros of the Twilight]], who is male by day and female by night. Acolytes of Yndros can supposedly transform themselves from male to female (and vice-versa) in the act of love. [[Marra Rogare]] claimed sanctuary at the temple of Yndros in Lys wearing man's garb; while it was rumored that [[Larra Rogare]], who worshipped Yndros alongside several other gods, used the powers of Yndros to visit the brothels of King's Landing as a man.{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

===Slaver's Bay===
Women can come to rule over aristicratic families in [[Meereen]] in at least some circumstances. After [[Daenerys Targaryen]]'s conquest of the city, many of the aristocratic families are subsequently led by daughters, sisters, and widows who lost male family members in the fall of the city.{{Ref|ADWD|2}}

The religion of Slaver's Bay is led by the [[Graces]], an all-female priesthood. The [[Red Graces]] practice temple prostitution.{{Ref|ADWD|68}}

===Qarth===
The Qartheen dress in linen, samite and tiger fur. As per Qartheen fashion, women wear [[Qartheen gown]]s, which leave one breast exposed.{{Ref|ACOK|27}}{{Ref|ACOK|40}} Meanwhile, men favor beaded silk skirts, while warriors wear scaled, [[copper]] armor and snouted-helms with copper tusks and long, black silk plumes and some of its guards ride camels. Children might go about naked, wearing only golden sandals and [[Cosmetics|body paint]].{{Ref|ACOK|27}}

Qartheen men and women retain their possessions after [[marriage]]. However, there is a marriage custom where, on the day of the wedding, the groom may ask for any one item from his bride's possessions and the bride may ask for any one item of the groom's possessions. Whatever is asked by either cannot be denied. This is seen as a gift of devotion by the bride and groom to each other.{{Ref|ACOK|40}}

There are both men and women among the [[Undying Ones]], the chief [[warlocks]] of Qarth.{{Ref|ACOK|48}}

===Kingdom of Sarnor===
In the ancient [[kingdom of Sarnor]], women and men rode to battle alongside each other.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}

===Dothraki===
The [[Dothraki]] are mounted nomads whose warriors are all male. They travel in ''[[khalasar]]s'', which are always led by a male ''[[khal]]'', who in turn is protected by his three male [[bloodrider]]s. Meanwhile, their religious leaders are the all-female [[dosh khaleen]] ("council of crones"), the widows of dead khals, who assemble in [[Vaes Dothrak]].{{Ref|AGOT|48}} Their influence is not to be discounted; Even Khal [[Mengo]], who united all the Dothraki during the [[Century of Blood]], heavily relied upon the advice of his widowed mother, the purported witch-queen [[Doshi]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}

Among the [[Dothraki]], at least the [[Khal]] is known to be allowed to practice [[polygamy]]. For example, [[Khal]] [[Jommo]] is known to have four wives.{{Ref|AGOT|46}} Additionally, according to the "ancient ways", a Khal might share his [[Khaleesi]] with his [[bloodrider]]s, a custom still practiced in some [[khalasar]]s.{{Ref|AGOT|36}}

===Summer Islands===

The [[Summer Islands]] have very positive attitudes towards sex, seeing it as a joyous and life-affirming act given to humanity as a gift from the gods. They practice temple prostitution and sacred sex worship.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}

Summer Islander women are considered equal to men, often encountered as warriors, ship captains, or rulers in their own right.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}

===Thousand Islands===

Men and women from the [[Thousand Islands]] are completely hairless, with sickly skin. Women file their teeth down to points, while the men "slice the foreskins from their members"{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: East of Ib}} – making them the only culture in the known world described as practicing circumcision.

===Yi Ti===
The god-emperor of [[Yi Ti]] openly keeps dozens of court concubines, though it is unclear if lesser lords do the same.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}} The breakaway kingdom on the island of [[Leng]] is ruled by a matrilineal dynasty of god-empresses. By tradition, each empress takes two husbands: one from the ethnically Yi Tish settlers on the north of the island, and one from the native Lengii people remaining on the southern end.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Leng}} It is common for some high ranking court bureaucrats and government officials in Yi Ti to voluntarily become [[Eunuch|eunuchs]], so as not to be distracted from affairs of state.

===Bone Mountains===
The three surviving city-states of [[Bayasabhad]], [[Kayakayanaya]] and [[Samyriana]] have all-female warriors, due to the religious belief that only those who give life can take it. According to [[True Account of Addam of Duskendale's Journeys|Addam of Duskendale's account]], the warrior-women of the Bone Mountains go about bare breasted, with iron rings through their nipples.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}

===Jogos Nhai===
Each tribe of the [[Jogos Nhai]] is led by a ''jhat'' (war leader) and a moonsinger (combination of priestess, healer, and judge). The ''jhat'' is usually male and rules over external affairs, while the moonsingers are usually women, who rule over internal affairs. If a young male wishes to be a moonsinger, he can – although he must dress and live as a woman. Similarly, a young female who wishes to be a ''jhat'' must dress and live as a man. [[Zhea]] the Cruel, one of the most famous Jogos Nhai war-leaders in history, who united them all as ''jhat'' of ''jhats'' to smash the armies of Yi Ti, was himself born a biological female.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: The Plains of the Jogos Nhai}}

==Non-human races==
Not much is known about the cultures of non-human sapient races, who have dwindled to near-extinction in recent millennia.

*Scattered accounts of the Children of the Forest state that their females hunted and fought alongside their males.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Dawn Age}}
*Among the fur-covered, Sasquatch-like race of [[Giants]], it is observed that their females look very similar to their males{{Ref|ASOS|15}}{{Ref|AGOT|53}}
*As for "[[The Others]]", the "white walkers" of the [[Long Night]], there hasn't been any confirmation that they even have females - though the legend of the [[Night's King's corpse queen|Night's Queen]] (if true) seems to imply that this is possible. Old Nan's scary nursery stories claim that the Others kidnap human women to sire foul half-Other children with them - though this may just be a tale to frighten misbehaving children. Even if there are female Others, however, that doesn't necessarily mean they even reproduce at all - or whether they are ice demons of some sort, never "born", but just happening to have gender.

[[Dragons]], while not a sapient race but animals (albeit very intelligent ones), are still noteworthy for their relatively unusual reproductive biology. Dragons have no fixed gender differentiation - according to Barth and Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]], dragons are “but now one and now the other, as changeable as flame”,{{Ref|AFFC|35}} presumably meaning that they are able to [[w:Sequential hermaphroditism|change from one sex to the other]]. This knowledge was later lost, with many [[maesters]] doubting that was true. Maester [[Yandel]]'s commentary in ''[[The World of Ice and Fire (Yandel)|The World of Ice and Fire]]'' indicates he believed a dragon to be female if it had laid eggs. He took the fact that [[Vermax]] was never observed laying eggs as proof that it must have been male.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}}

==Prostitution==
:{{Main|Prostitution}}

==Contraception==

Condoms are not present in the medieval world of Westeros. In real life, medical treatises only start mentioning the existence of condoms (made of lambskin, linen, etc.) starting at the time of the Renaissance in the 1500s.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_condoms Wikipedia article on history of condoms]</ref> The only birth control that men ever make use of in Westeros is the withdrawal method (''Coitus interruptus'').<ref>[https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Concordance/Section/2.5.1./ Westeros.org Citadel - Concordance,] 2.5.1 Medicines and Poisons</ref>

Women may rely on several herbal mixtures as a means of contraception or abortion, most notably "[[Moon tea]]" (also known as "tansy tea").{{Ref|ASOS|80}}{{Ref|ASOS|15}} One of the main ingredients in moon tea is a drop of [[Pennyroyal]] - a main ingredient in several abortion drugs during the real-life Middle Ages.<ref name=RuthMazo>Ruth Mazo Karras, ''Sexuality in Medieval Europe: Doing Unto Others'' (Routledge, 2005, 2d ed. 2012)</ref>

The views of major religions in Westeros and beyond on contraception and abortion have not been stated. Women seem to obtain moon tea from itinerant [[Woods witch|woods witches]] at the fringes of society more often than they obtain it from [[maester]]s, although at least [[Margaery Tyrell]] is claimed to have requested moon tea from Grand Maester [[Pycelle]], for unspecified purpose.{{Ref|AFFC|39}} Devout members of the Faith oppose it, however, as when the High Sparrow listed off Margaery Tyrell's alleged sins he said that she took moon tea to "murder the fruit of her fornications".{{Ref|AFFC|43}} Given that the High Sparrow is a fanatic, it is unknown what the mainstream/everyday views of the Faith are towards moon tea - i.e. the High Sparrow also lists off adultery as a serious crime deserving heavy penance.

The Free Folk beyond the Wall similarly use moon tea for abortions: [[Tormund]] remarks to [[Jon Snow]] that if [[Ygritte]] doesn't want to be pregnant with his child she'll simply find a woods witch who can give her moon tea.{{Ref|ASOS|15}} Prostitutes in brothels frequently use moon tea.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

==Gender and Sexuality in real-life Medieval Europe==
The society of real-life Medieval Europe, like Greco-Roman societies before it, did not actually possess a binary of heterosexual versus homosexual. Instead, the sexual categories of the Greco-Romans were divided along a Top/Bottom dichotomy, between those who penetrate and those who get penetrated. Men who penetrated other men were seen as normal and masculine; only men who were penetrated were considered unusual or shamefully effeminate. Societies with Top/Bottom dichotomy, heavily defined by penetration, also often did not conceptually recognize female homosexuality, even to condemn it.<ref name=RuthMazo>Ruth Mazo Karras, ''Sexuality in Medieval Europe: Doing Unto Others'' (Routledge, 2005, 2d ed. 2012)</ref>

The society of Medieval Europe was similar to the older Greco-Roman models, with a Top/Bottom binary, given that both were male-dominated societies in which religious moral instruction was itself dominated by male priests. Pagan Viking culture in ancient Scandinavia similarly followed a Top/Bottom binary. The major difference is that Medieval Christianity came to practice clerical celibacy for monks and nuns, so that the fundamental division of society became between celibate or non-celibate (not heterosexual verus homosexual), and among the non-celibate, this was further divided into Top/Bottom binary. These patterns only ended with the massive social changes of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s, during which clerical celibacy was rejected by Protestants, and even the Catholic Church had to respond with a new emphasis on praising sex within marriage among the non-celibate.<ref name=RuthMazo/>

===Homosexuality in real-life Medieval Europe===
"Homosexuality" did not exist as a conceptual category in real-life Medieval Europe. It was seen as an action someone could perform, like adultery, but not as an exclusive category of identity. Given that the main social divide was between the celibate and the non-celibate, all non-procreative sex was frowned upon. A man receiving fellatio was condemned by the Church because it wasn't procreative, regardless of whether a woman or another man was performing it.<ref name=RuthMazo/>

Homosexual behaviors were seen as a venal sin of the flesh, rather than being heavily vilified. It was roughly on par with adultery or masturbation, both of which were frowned upon, but mass persecutions of homosexuals were not commonplace.

==Quotes==
{{Quote|Our bodies were shaped by our Father and Mother so we might join male to female and beget trueborn children. It is base and sinful for women to sell their holy parts for coin.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}|Septon [[Raynard]] to Cersei Lannister}}

{{Quote|There are other customs besides that mark the Dornish as different. They are not greatly concerned if a child is born in wedlock or out of it, especially if the child is born to a paramour. Many lords—and even some ladies—have paramours, chosen for love and lust rather than for breeding or alliance. And when it comes to matters of love, that a man might lie with another man, or a woman with another woman, is likewise not cause for concern—and while the septons have often wished to shepherd the Dornishmen to the righteous path, they have had little effect.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}}}}

{{Quote|The man's infamous, and not just for poisoning his sword. He has more [[bastard]]s than [[Robert Baratheon|Robert]], and beds with boys as well.{{Ref|ASOS|62}}|[[Jaime Lannister]] to [[Tywin Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|He knew the man only by reputation...but the reputation is fearsome...His tourneys, his battles, his duels, his horses, his carnality... it was said that he bedded men and women both, and had begotten bastard girls all over Dome.{{Ref|ASOS|38}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]; the very literal way that Jaime and Tyrion describe Oberyn's sexuality avoids using modern terms such as "homosexual" or "bisexual"}}

{{Quote|A man may prefer the taste of [[hippocras]], yet if you set a tankard of ale before him, he will quaff it quick enough.{{Ref|AFFC|3}}|[[Cersei Lannister]], speculating that [[Renly Baratheon]] may have deflowered [[Margaery Tyrell]], despite his inclinations towards her brother Loras}}

{{Quote|One objection was raised: Laenor Velaryon was now nineteen years of age yet had never shown any interest in women. Instead he surrounded himself with handsome squires of his own age and was said to prefer their company. But Grand Maester Mellos dismissed this concern out of hand. "What of it?" he is supposed to have said. "I am not fond of fish, but when fish is served, I eat it." Thus was the match decided.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|Archmaester [[Gyldayn]]'s history, on the decision to arrange a marriage alliance between Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and [[Laenor Velaryon]]}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

[[Category:Culture]]
[[Category:LGBT+ characters| ]]

Gender and sexuality

2025-12-09T19:58:53Z

The Dragon Demands: /* Yi Ti */

A variety of social patterns concerning '''gender and sexuality''' can be observed in the [[Known World]] of ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]''. Modern terms such as "gay", "homosexual", or "LGBT" do not appear in the novels. Moreover, no analogous in-universe term has ever been introduced.

For that matter, it is as yet unclear if "homosexuals" are even considered a conceptual category of persons in Westeros and beyond, given that this conceptual category did not actually exist in the real-wolrd [[w:Middle Ages|Middle Ages]]. For the simplicity of this article, those modern terms will be applied to the characters.

[[George R. R. Martin]] has declared that the world of ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' has no knowledge of genetics, so any more subtle chromosomal or hormonal conditions are unknown to them, only visible anatomical characteristics. When asked if [[Brienne of Tarth]] has a chromosomal condition, like [[w:Triple X syndrome|Triple X syndrome]], he responded that he did not know, because the [[maester]]s in-universe do not know what [[w:DNA|DNA]] is.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1147/ Brienne of Tarth (January 31, 2001)]</ref>

==Characters who have engaged in LGBT+ behaviors==
[[File:Jeyne Arryn and Jessamyn Redfort by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|[[Jeyne Arryn]] and [[Jessamyn Redfort]], by Riotarttherite]]
# Numerous characters have engaged in homosexual behavior or expressed desires for characters of the same gender:
## Explicitly confirmed:
##* Lord [[Alyn Cockshaw]], who was in love with Daemon II Blackfyre,{{Ref|TMK}} who did not return his feelings{{Ref|AWOIAF|Alyn Cockshaw}}
##* [[Bokkoko]], who is open about the fact that he has a male lover.<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', Tyrion II</ref>
##* [[Daemon II Blackfyre]], confirmed to be gay by [[George R. R. Martin]]<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGA6JHNI-oo Ideas at the House:] George R.R. Martin, Lena Headey & Michelle Fairley - 'Game of Thrones' , Nov 11, 2013</ref>
##* [[Essie]], who had a female paramour named [[Sylvenna Sand]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}}
##* Lord [[Jon Connington]], confirmed to be gay by George R. R. Martin<ref name="ssm1"/><ref name="unionsquare">[https://asoiafuniversity.tumblr.com/post/55280523592/here-is-the-transcript-i-took-down-myself-at-the Union Square Signing transcript]</ref>
##* Ser [[Loras Tyrell]], confirmed to be gay by George R. R. Martin and to have had a relationship with Renly Baratheon<ref name=ssm1/><ref name=ssm2/><ref name="unionsquare" />
##* Lord [[Renly Baratheon]], confirmed to be gay by George R. R. Martin and to have had a relationship with Loras Tyrell<ref name=ssm1/><ref name=ssm2/><ref name="unionsquare" />
## Implied to various degrees in the text:
##* [[Alf of Runnymudd]] and [[Garth Greyfeather]], two members of the [[Night's Watch]] who are implied to be in a relationship. When Garth is sent [[beyond the Wall]] by Lord Commander [[Jon Snow]] and is killed by the [[Weeper]], Alf lets out a howl of grief upon learning the news and has to be escorted to a bed and given mulled wine. Later, it is hinted that Alf is one of the four men who stabbed Jon Snow during the [[mutiny at Castle Black]].{{ref|ADWD|31}}{{ref|ADWD|69}}
##* Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Aegon V)|Daeron Targaryen]], who broke his betrothal at the age of eighteen, preferring the companionship of Ser [[Jeremy Norridge]] instead.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}
##* [[Hother Umber]] was robbed in [[Oldtown]] in his youth by a whore, who is rumored to have been a man.{{Ref|ADWD|17}}
##* A widespread rumor asserted that Lady [[Jeyne Arryn]] "preferred the intimate companionship of other women." She never wed{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} and her "dear companion," according to Archmaester [[Gyldayn]], was [[Jessamyn Redfort]].{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
##* Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]], said to have never shown any interest in women, instead preferring the company of handsome [[squire]]s and [[knight]]s his own age, such as Ser [[Joffrey Lonmouth]] and Ser [[Qarl Correy]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
##* Ser [[Lyn Corbray]], implied to be gay. According to Petyr Baelish, Lyn likes "boys".{{Ref|AFFC|23}}
##* [[Nymeria Sand]] is known to be very close to [[Jeyne Fowler|Jeyne]] and [[Jennelyn Fowler]],{{Ref|AFFC|40}} and was "abed" with them when learning of [[Oberyn Martell|her father's]] death.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}
##* Queen [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]]'s "true love", according to Maester [[Smike]] of [[Fair Isle]], was Lady [[Elissa Farman]].{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}} Furthermore, Rhaena had numerous female favorites throughout her life, including [[Larissa Velaryon]], [[Samantha Stokeworth]], [[Melony Piper]], and [[Alayne Royce]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
##* Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and Lady [[Laena Velaryon]] may have had an affair. It is possibly alluded that Laena was attracted to women, as the maester of [[Driftmark]] noted that Laena showed "far more interest in flying than in boys", and it is stated that Rhaenyra was "fond and more than fond of her good-sister Lady Laena."{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} All other instances of the descriptor "more than fond" refer to romantic or presumed to be romantic relationships—[[Samwell Tarly]]'s relationship with [[Gilly]],{{Ref|ASOS|75}} [[Lothor Brune]]'s relationship with [[Mya Stone]],{{Ref|AFFC|41}} Rhaena Targaryen's relationship with [[Androw Farman]],{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} and [[Daemon Targaryen]]'s relationship with [[Nettles]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
##* Lady [[Sabitha Vypren]], married to Lord [[Forrest Frey]], was said to have been "fond of killing men and kissing women",{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}} possibly suggesting a sexual attraction to women only. [[Alysanne Blackwood]] was rumored to be her lover.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
##* [[Satin]] worked as a male prostitute in Oldtown,{{Ref|ADWD|10}}{{Ref|ADWD|39}}{{Ref|ASOS|55}} though his personal sexual preference is not stated.
##* [[Tyanna of the Tower|Tyanna of Pentos]] was said to be not only the [[paramour]] of King [[Maegor I Targaryen]], but also of his wife, Queen [[Alys Harroway]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
##* [[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]], implied to be gay. Daenerys notices that Xaro surrounds himself with "beautiful boys",{{Ref|ACOK|40}} and that he is not interested in looking at her exposed breast when she is wearing a [[Qartheen gown]] unlike the other men present.{{Ref|ADWD|16}}
# Multiple characters have displayed sexual attraction towards or have had sexual relations with both genders:
#* [[Ellaria Sand]]{{Ref|ASOS|36}}{{Ref|ASOS|66}}
#* [[Oberyn Martell]]{{Ref|ASOS|36}}
#* [[Daenerys Targaryen]], who had previously been married to [[Drogo]] and has expressed sexual attraction to men since then on several occasions, has had several sexual encounters with [[Irri]], her handmaiden, although she does not appear to be sexually attracted to her.{{Ref|ASOS|23}}{{Ref|ASOS|71}}
#* [[Cersei Lannister]] has had a sexual encounter with [[Taena of Myr]], initiated by Cersei because she was curious to feel "whatever Robert felt on the nights he took her", as well as "see if it would be as easy with a woman as it had always been with Robert". She finds no pleasure in the act.{{Ref|AFFC|32}}
# Intersex
#* Only one named intersex character has ever appeared: [[Sweets]], one of the lead slaves in [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]]'s private menagerie of slaves with physical oddities, and also one of his bedwarmers. Sweets is referred to by other characters as a "hermaphrodite".
#* [[Canker Jeyne]] is a whore "of uncertain sex",{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}} and Arya believes she is really a man.{{Ref|AFFC|34}} Jeyne may be intersex, transgender, or gender non-conforming.
#* Queen [[Jeyne Westerling (wife of Maegor I)|Jeyne Westerling]] gave birth to a stillborn child possessing both male and female genitalia.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
# Crossdressers
#* [[Danny Flint]], a woman dressed as a man to join the [[Night's Watch]].{{Ref|ADWD|58}}
#* The [[Goodwife (fool)|Goodwife]], the first fool at the royal court in the [[Red Keep]], dressed as a woman.{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}}
#* King [[Loreon V Lannister]], a [[King of the Rock]] of [[House Lannister]] of [[Casterly Rock]], was fond of dressing in his wife's clothing and wandering the docks of [[Lannisport]] in the guise of a common whore. He subsequently became known as "Queen Lorea".{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Westerlands}}
#* [[Lysono Maar]], a [[spymaster]] in service to the [[Golden Company]], made up as a woman.{{Ref|ADWD|24}}<ref name=Ar2>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Arianne II (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne II]]</ref>
#* [[Racallio Ryndoon]], [[King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea|King of the Stepstones]], also cross-dressed frequently, and was sometimes referred to as "Queen Racallio."{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

While not discussed in the books itself, the sexuality of Ser [[Brynden Tully]] has been debated in the fandom. His stubborn intention to remain celibate and refusing marriage prospects from his [[Hoster Tully|brother]] and other riverlords have led some fan to speculate on Brynden being homosexual or asexual. [[George R. R. Martin]] has thus far not shed any light on why Brynden has chosen to remain unwed.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1204 Brynden Tully's Bachelorhood (March 19, 2002)]</ref>

==Societal Patterns of Gender and Sexuality in Westeros==
The societal patterns in Westeros are rather uniform in several aspects. However, several aspects are dependent on the different religions which are practiced in the [[Seven Kingdoms]], and can thus differ between regions.

The customs regarding inheritance and landownership are rather uniform throughout the Kingdoms. Male-preference [[w:primogeniture|primogeniture]] is customary, although not binding, for most nobles.<ref>Ran at [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/120966-errors-in-the-woiaf/&page=4#comment-6801531 A Forum of Ice and Fire]: "Primogeniture is customary, but not binding... especially not to a king. We have other examples of people being passed over, or potentially passed over, for others."</ref> A man's eldest son is his heir, followed by his second son, then his third son, and so on. In theory, the youngest son is followed in the line of succession by the eldest daughter, after whom come her sisters in birth order.{{Ref|AGOT|63}}{{Ref|ASOS|16}} A man's daughter inherits before her father’s brother.{{Ref|ADWD|44}} Although this custom originates from the [[Andals]],{{Ref|AFFC|13}} the nobles in the [[north]], where the influences of the Andals are minimal and the influences of the [[First Men]] remain strong, appear to follow a similar view on inheritance. Only [[Dorne]] stands out as an exception, as there no distinction is made between sons and daughters. Instead, children inherit in order of birth regardless of gender, as per [[Rhoynish]] custom.{{Ref|AGOT|appendix}} In the case of an inheriting female, her last name will be passed on to her children, instead of the name of her husband.{{Ref|ASOS|appendix}}<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Martell_Names_Inheritance The Martell Name’s Inheritance (June 13, 2001)]</ref> When a ruling lord dies and leaves no clear heir, his widow might lay claim upon his lands and rule until her own death (e.g., Lady [[Donella Hornwood]] and Lady [[Barbrey Dustin]]), and in such a case, might name an heir by herself.{{Ref|ADWD|37}}

As such, although the rule of a seat of lands is frequently in male hands, women can inherit lands and have certain political power in their own right.<ref group="N">See the [[:Category:Ruling ladies|list of noblewomen ruling in their own right]].</ref>

===Faith of the Seven===
[[File:Loras Tyrell and Renly Baratheon by Jroahn.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Loras Tyrell]] and [[Renly Baratheon]], by [https://jroahn.tumblr.com/ Jroahn] ]]
The [[Faith of the Seven]] contains both a male clergy, [[septon]]s, and a female clergy, [[septa]]s. They are ruled over by a council of the highest ranking septons and septas, called the [[Most Devout]]. Regardless, the head of the Faith, called the [[High Septon]], who is usually elected from among the Most Devout, is always male.

The Faith of the Seven only allows marriages between one man and one woman.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}} Furthermore, [[Incest|incest]], defined as a sexual relationship between father and daughter, mother and son, or brother and sister, is considered to be a vile sin by the Faith. Any children born from such unions are considered abominations.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} Cousin [[marriage]]s are not considered incest by the Faith,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} and are relatively common among the nobility of [[Westeros]].<ref group="N">Examples of cousin marriages are Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] and [[Joanna Lannister]] (first cousins), as well as Lord [[Paxter Redwyne]] and [[Mina Tyrell]] (first cousins). The exact cousin relationship is unknown in the marriages of [[Jon Arryn]] and [[Rowena Arryn]], [[Shella Whent]] and [[Walter Whent]], [[Benfrey Frey]] and [[Jyanna Frey]], [[Alys Frey]] and [[Jared Frey]]. Further, a marriage has been proposed between [[Robert Arryn]] and [[Sansa Stark]] (first cousins).</ref> In contrast, in the real Middle Ages incest was broadly defined as marriage between third cousins or closer (though the definition varied considerably over the centuries).<ref name=RuthMazo/>

Further, the Faith disapproves of homosexual relationships – be they a relationship between two men or a relationship between two women.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}} Nonetheless, homosexual relationships do occur in Westeros, although they are usually kept secret. A notable example is the relationship of Lord [[Renly Baratheon]] and Ser [[Loras Tyrell]], confirmed by [[George R. R. Martin]].<ref name=ssm1>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/5457/ Union Square Signing (July 14, 2011)]</ref><ref name=ssm2>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/To_Be_Continued_Chicago_IL_May_6_8/ To Be Continued (Chicago, IL; May 6-8) (May 06, 2005)]</ref> In [[Dorne]], however, views are considerably less strict, as the Dornish do not see it as a concern if two or more men or women are together.

According to the Faith, men and women were shaped as they are for begetting trueborn children,{{Ref|AFFC|36}} and as such, children born in wedlock are said to be "blessed by the [[Father (the Seven)|Father]] and [[Mother (the Seven)|Mother]].{{Ref|TSS}} Although it is not considered to be unexpected for noblemen to have bastard children by followers of the Faith,{{Ref|AGOT|6}} the Faith does not consider bastards trustworthy.{{Ref|TSS}} Regardless, they allow female bastards to become septas,<ref group="N">Examples include [[Alysanne (daughter of Aegon IV)|Alysanne]], [[Lily]], [[Willow (daughter of Aegon IV)|Willow]], and [[Rosey (daughter of Aegon IV)|Rosey]], the four bastard daughters of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] by his second mistress, [[Megette]] (''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'', The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV)</ref> Potentially, this might mean that male bastards could become [[septon]]s. Male bastards can also receive [[knight]]hood, which requires them to stand vigil in a sept the night before one receives knighthood.{{Ref|AGOT|56}}{{Ref|THK}}

The Faith considers it to be base and sinful for women to practice prostitution,{{Ref|AFFC|36}} although brothels can be found everywhere in Westeros. Additionally, the Faith considers it sinful for women to commit adultery.{{Ref|ADWD|54}} Their view on men committing adultery is not known.

Regardless of the opinions of the Faith, however, members of the society do frequently engage in sexual behaviors the Faith criticizes, such as adultery, homosexual behavior, and prostitution.

===Old gods===
The [[old gods]] of the [[First Men]] still hold sway in the northern-most kingdom of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], as well as in the lands [[beyond the Wall]]. There is no organized priesthood,{{Ref|ADWD|37}} nor are there holy texts.

Incest,{{Ref|ACOK|34}} kinslaying,{{Ref|ACOK|52}} and slavery{{Ref|ASOS|24}} are considered offensive to the gods. The custom of [[guest right]], on the other hand, is both a sacred and ancient rule,{{Ref|ASOS|7}} taken very seriously [[beyond the Wall|north]]{{Ref|ACOK|23}}{{Ref|ASOS|7}} and [[north|south]] of the [[Wall]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}} – whereas this custom looms far less in the southron kingdoms.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}} There, breaking the guest right is rare, but when it occurs, is punished similarly to the direst of treasons.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}} The origins of the old custom of the [[first night]], which gave the Lords in Westeros the right to bedding newly-wed women before their husbands did, are unknown. However, although the first night was abolished two centuries ago,{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|ADWD|43}} where the old gods rule, the old custom is still practiced, albeit illegally, in some parts of the [[north]].{{Ref|ADWD|32}}

First cousin marriage is not considered incest under the Faith of the Seven, and the same seems to be true of those who follow the Old Gods in the North (though whether this was always the case, or changed over the centuries due to Andal influence, is unknown).<ref group="N">For example, [[Eddard Stark]]'s own parents [[Rickard Stark]] and [[Lyarra Stark]] were first cousins once removed - Lyarra's surname was already "Stark" before she was married. Both of them followed the Old Gods.</ref>

Although [[polygamy]] is absent from the society south of the Wall, several members of the [[free folk]] are known to practice such [[marriage]] [[customs]]. [[Craster]] has nineteen wives,{{Ref|ACOK|23}} and [[Ygon Oldfather]] eighteen.{{Ref|ADWD|69}} In notable contrast with lands south of the Wall, where first cousin marriage is relatively common, the free folk consider it to be [[Incest|incest]]: [[Ygritte]] says that the wildlings avoid marrying "clan kin", but will instead travel to find brides in lands as far away from their own as possible - believing that new blood will strengthen them and avoid inbreeding.{{Ref|ASOS|26}}

While the followers of the old gods south of the [[Wall]] have similar views on gender roles in battle than the rest of Westeros, north of the [[Wall]], female warriors are far more common. The term "spearwives" is used to describe these [[wildling]] women.{{Ref|ACOK|51}}{{Ref|ACOK|68}} Female warriors are also found among the [[Vale mountain clans|hill tribes]] of the [[Mountains of the Moon]] along the borders of [[The Vale of Arryn]], descended from [[First Men]] who were pushed into the mountains during the [[Andal Invasion]]. The hill tribes led by various chieftains, which can be men or women. An example of the latter is [[Chella]], chieftainess of the [[Black Ears]]. The hill tribes feel that every man's voice must be heard in open council, and even allow their women to speak as well.{{Ref|AGOT|56}}

===Drowned God===
The [[Drowned God]] is worshiped by the [[ironborn]], and is the primary religion on the [[Iron Islands]]. They have an all-male clergy.

Strength and power are valued on the Iron Islands, and reavers are esteemed the most of all. From their raids, they bring captives, who serve their captors as thralls. Most of the male captives work in the fields or mines. A few, the sons of lords, knights, and rich merchants, might be ransomed for [[currency|gold]]. Thralls who can read, write, and do sums might serve as stewards, tutors, and scribes. Older women might become scullions, cooks, seamstresses, weavers, midwives, and such. However, most prized are young women. They might become serving girls, whores, household drudges, or wives to other thralls. However, the fairest, strongest, and most nubile are kept as salt wives.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}

The ironborn practice a form of limited polygamy: a man can have one true- and freeborn "[[rock wife]]". However, he can also have multiple "[[salt wife|salt wives]]", usually women captured on raids. Salt wives are considered more than mere concubines, and any sons born of such unions are not considered [[bastard]]s, but can inherit should their father have no surviving sons by his rock wife. The number of salt wives a man can support is considered to be an indication of his power, wealth, and virility.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}{{Ref|ACOK|11}}

Although women can inherit on the Iron Islands, they are still considered to be the weaker sex.{{Ref|AFFC|29}} In ancient times, the ironborn had an elective monarchy, in which all the lords and ship captains of the isles gathered to vote for one of their members to be the new king.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands: Driftwood Crowns}} While women can captain their own ship (e.g., [[Asha Greyjoy]]), the majority of captains are male. When Asha Greyjoy, the daughter of the recently deceased King [[Balon Greyjoy]], put forward her candidacy, she is permitted to stand in the moot,{{Ref|AFFC|18}} although [[Aeron Greyjoy]] is certain that no woman will ever rule the ironborn.{{Ref|AFFC|1}}

Regular ironborn lords generally seem to follow the same male-preference inheritance law as mainland Westeros. [[Gwynesse Harlaw]] insists that she should rule the [[Ten Towers]], the seat of [[House Harlaw]], instead of her brother [[Rodrik Harlaw|Rodrik]], as she is seven years his elder.{{Ref|AFFC|11}} Asha Greyjoy also tried to convince her uncle Victarion to name her his [[Hand of the King|Hand]] as a compromise, though he declined.{{Ref|AFFC|18}}

[[Victarion Greyjoy]] felt that Maester [[Kerwin]] "looked more girlish than most girls", and did not react surprised when informed that Kerwin had been dragged below decks and used by some of the crew "as a woman".{{Ref|ADWD|56}} This matches the pattern of Top/Bottom dichotomy often found in strongly male dominated societies, such as the real-life pagan Vikings on which the ironborn are based.<ref name=RuthMazo/>

==Societal Patterns of Gender and Sexuality Beyond Westeros==
===Valyrian Freehold===
In the [[Valyrian Freehold]] it had been custom among the [[dragonlord]]s to marry brother to sister, or, if that was not possible, an uncle to a niece, or an aunt to a nephew (and beyond that, to as close a cousin as possible). This allowed them to keep the bloodline pure. Although [[polygamy|polygamous marriages]] were less common, this practice was accepted as well.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} After converting to the [[Faith of the Seven]], [[House Targaryen]] continued their incestuous marriage customs, despite the fact that the Faith considered incest to be a vile sin.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} The [[Doctrine of Exceptionalism]] was devised at the behest of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] to reconcile the Faith's doctrine with House Targaryen practices.{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}}

It is unclear if the ancient Valyrians even made a distinction between male-preference or equal primogeniture; It appears that if the firstborn child was a daughter, she would be wed to her eldest subsequent brother, thereby preventing a conflict over the succession. [[Aegon I Targaryen]] was said to have been expected to marry his older sister [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]] "by tradition" – and though he did so, he married his [[Rhaenys Targaryen|younger sister]] as well.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} During the [[Century of Blood]], Lord [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Gaemon)|Aegon Targaryen]] and his sister-wife [[Elaena Targaryen (daughter of Gaemon)|Elaena Targaryen]] were said to have ruled [[Dragonstone]] jointly.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}{{Ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}} Valyria had both male and female [[dragonrider]]s, such as the famed explorer [[Jaenara Belaerys]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos}} This tradition continued after the [[Doom of Valyria|Doom]], as [[House Targaryen]] had many female dragonriders until the eventual deaths of the dragons.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} It is said that several cities throughout the Freehold were governed by "men and women sent out from Valyria", implying that it was not unusual to see women in formal positions of power.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities}}

===Free Cities===
Eight of the nine [[Free Cities]] are colonies founded by the Valyrian Freehold. Each of the nine city-states has its own culture and social patterns:

*'''[[Braavos]]''': The ruler of Braavos is the [[Sealord of Braavos|Sealord]]. Instead of hereditary succession, the Sealord is chosen by Braavosi [[magister]]s and [[keyholders]] through a convoluted process,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Braavos}} and serves for life. The keyholders involved in the vote of the new Sealord are the descendants of the twenty-three founders of the [[Iron Bank of Braavos]]. The original twenty-three keyholders comprised sixteen men and seven women. Their descendants now exceed one thousand.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Braavos}} Courtesans are held in high esteem among the upper social circles of Braavos - many of whom own their own boats and answer to no one.
*'''[[Lorath]]:''' Lorath was founded as a Valyrian colony by the worshipers of [[Boash]]. They considered all humans to be equal before their god, and thus saw women as equal to men in all matters. This denial of the self extended to the point that adherents came to refer to themselves and others using indefinite pronouns; they did not use names, and referred to themselves as "a man" and "a woman", instead of saying "I", "me", or "mine". While the cult of Boash has long gone extinct, certain of these speaking habits are still used in Lorath today. Nobles regard it as vulgar to speak of one's self directly.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Lorath}} When one of the [[Faceless Men]] of [[Braavos]] uses the identity of "[[Jaqen H'ghar]]" of Lorath, he uses this speech pattern.{{Ref|ACOK|5}}
*'''[[Lys]]:''' Lys is famed for its bed-slaves, and Lyseni are known to be famously voracious in their search for comely young boys and fair maids with their [[pillow house]]s. Lys is also known for the breeding of slaves, mating beauty with beauty, hoping to produce the most lovely courtesans and bedslaves. Aptly, many Lyseni worship a love goddess whose naked, wanton figure graces their coinage.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}}
*'''[[Norvos]]:''' Ruled by a council of [[magister]]s chosen by the [[bearded priests]], who are the only Norvoshi men allowed to have beards. Freeborn men from Norvos, both noble and lowborn, favor long mustachios; [[Byan Votyris]], for instance, dyes his mustachio blue and sweeps it to his ears.{{Ref|AGOT|54}} [[Slaves]] are shaved bare. Norvoshi women also shave off all of their hair, though noblewomen don wigs when in the company of men from other lands and cities.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Norvos}} Once they are initiated, the bearded priests are in fact forbidden to cut or shave their hair. Additionally, they practice ritual flagellation as part of their worship.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Norvos}}
*'''[[Pentos]]:''' Pentos is ruled over by [[Prince of Pentos|a prince]] with a council of rich [[magister]]s. The prince has a mostly ceremonial function, however, while the magisters rule. The prince is chosen from forty families,{{Ref|ADWD|1}} and must deflower two maidens, the maid of the sea and the maid of the fields, each new year to ensure prosperity on land and sea. If there is famine or war is lost, the magisters sacrifice the prince and slit his throat to appease the gods, then choose a new prince.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Pentos}}{{Ref|ADWD|1}}
*'''[[Volantis]]:''' Volantis is ruled by three [[Triarch of Volantis|triarchs]], chosen annually through festive and tumultuous elections. All freeborn who own land, regardless of gender, are allowed to vote.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Volantis}}{{Ref|ADWD|27}}{{Ref|ADWD|6}} They are chosen from among the noble families who can prove [[Old Blood|unbroken descent from old Valyria]], and will serve until the first day of the new year.{{Ref|ADWD|6}} The triarchs are chosen from the two political parties in Volantis: the elephants and the tigers. Some of the first elephants were women, one of whom, [[Trianna]], was returned four times. Volantis has not had a female triarch for three hundred years.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

Most of the free cities are home to temples to multiple gods, and have no specific religion practiced within the city walls. The followers of [[R'hllor]], the Lord of Light, have grown greatly in number over the past few centuries,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Braavos}} and so, the red priesthood of R'hllor holds sway in all of the free cities and often wields considerable power.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} The red priesthood buys their slaves as children and makes them priests (both male and female), temple prostitutes, or warriors.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Volantis}}{{Ref|ADWD|27}} [[Red temple]]s can be found in Braavos,{{Ref|AFFC|6}} Lys,{{Ref|ACOK|10}} Myr,{{Ref|ASOS|43}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} Pentos,{{Ref|ADWD|1}} Tyrosh,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} Volantis,{{Ref|ADWD|27}} [[Selhorys]] (which falls under Volantis's regulation),{{Ref|ADWD|22}} and likely Qohor.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

One deity of note that is worshipped in Essos is [[Yndros of the Twilight]], who is male by day and female by night. Acolytes of Yndros can supposedly transform themselves from male to female (and vice-versa) in the act of love. [[Marra Rogare]] claimed sanctuary at the temple of Yndros in Lys wearing man's garb; while it was rumored that [[Larra Rogare]], who worshipped Yndros alongside several other gods, used the powers of Yndros to visit the brothels of King's Landing as a man.{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

===Slaver's Bay===
Women can come to rule over aristicratic families in [[Meereen]] in at least some circumstances. After [[Daenerys Targaryen]]'s conquest of the city, many of the aristocratic families are subsequently led by daughters, sisters, and widows who lost male family members in the fall of the city.{{Ref|ADWD|2}}

The religion of Slaver's Bay is led by the [[Graces]], an all-female priesthood. The [[Red Graces]] practice temple prostitution.{{Ref|ADWD|68}}

===Qarth===
The Qartheen dress in linen, samite and tiger fur. As per Qartheen fashion, women wear [[Qartheen gown]]s, which leave one breast exposed.{{Ref|ACOK|27}}{{Ref|ACOK|40}} Meanwhile, men favor beaded silk skirts, while warriors wear scaled, [[copper]] armor and snouted-helms with copper tusks and long, black silk plumes and some of its guards ride camels. Children might go about naked, wearing only golden sandals and [[Cosmetics|body paint]].{{Ref|ACOK|27}}

Qartheen men and women retain their possessions after [[marriage]]. However, there is a marriage custom where, on the day of the wedding, the groom may ask for any one item from his bride's possessions and the bride may ask for any one item of the groom's possessions. Whatever is asked by either cannot be denied. This is seen as a gift of devotion by the bride and groom to each other.{{Ref|ACOK|40}}

There are both men and women among the [[Undying Ones]], the chief [[warlocks]] of Qarth.{{Ref|ACOK|48}}

===Kingdom of Sarnor===
In the ancient [[kingdom of Sarnor]], women and men rode to battle alongside each other.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}

===Dothraki===
The [[Dothraki]] are mounted nomads whose warriors are all male. They travel in ''[[khalasar]]s'', which are always led by a male ''[[khal]]'', who in turn is protected by his three male [[bloodrider]]s. Meanwhile, their religious leaders are the all-female [[dosh khaleen]] ("council of crones"), the widows of dead khals, who assemble in [[Vaes Dothrak]].{{Ref|AGOT|48}} Their influence is not to be discounted; Even Khal [[Mengo]], who united all the Dothraki during the [[Century of Blood]], heavily relied upon the advice of his widowed mother, the purported witch-queen [[Doshi]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}

Among the [[Dothraki]], at least the [[Khal]] is known to be allowed to practice [[polygamy]]. For example, [[Khal]] [[Jommo]] is known to have four wives.{{Ref|AGOT|46}} Additionally, according to the "ancient ways", a Khal might share his [[Khaleesi]] with his [[bloodrider]]s, a custom still practiced in some [[khalasar]]s.{{Ref|AGOT|36}}

===Summer Islands===

The [[Summer Islands]] have very positive attitudes towards sex, seeing it as a joyous and life-affirming act given to humanity as a gift from the gods. They practice temple prostitution and sacred sex worship.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}

Summer Islander women are considered equal to men, often encountered as warriors, ship captains, or rulers in their own right.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}

===Thousand Islands===

Men and women from the [[Thousand Islands]] are completely hairless, with sickly skin. Women file their teeth down to points, while the men "slice the foreskins from their members"{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: East of Ib}} – making them the only culture in the known world described as practicing circumcision.

===Yi Ti===
The god-emperor of [[Yi Ti]] openly keeps dozens of court concubines, though it is unclear if lesser lords do the same.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}} The breakaway kingdom on the island of [[Leng]] is ruled by a matrilineal dynasty of god-empresses. By tradition, each empress takes two husbands: one from the ethnically Yi Tish settlers on the north of the island, and one from the native Lengii people remaining on the southern end.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Leng}} It is common for some high ranking court bureaucrats and government officials in Yi Ti to voluntarily become [[Eunuchs|eunuchs]], so as not to be distracted from affairs of state.

===Bone Mountains===
The three surviving city-states of [[Bayasabhad]], [[Kayakayanaya]] and [[Samyriana]] have all-female warriors, due to the religious belief that only those who give life can take it. According to [[True Account of Addam of Duskendale's Journeys|Addam of Duskendale's account]], the warrior-women of the Bone Mountains go about bare breasted, with iron rings through their nipples.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}

===Jogos Nhai===
Each tribe of the [[Jogos Nhai]] is led by a ''jhat'' (war leader) and a moonsinger (combination of priestess, healer, and judge). The ''jhat'' is usually male and rules over external affairs, while the moonsingers are usually women, who rule over internal affairs. If a young male wishes to be a moonsinger, he can – although he must dress and live as a woman. Similarly, a young female who wishes to be a ''jhat'' must dress and live as a man. [[Zhea]] the Cruel, one of the most famous Jogos Nhai war-leaders in history, who united them all as ''jhat'' of ''jhats'' to smash the armies of Yi Ti, was himself born a biological female.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: The Plains of the Jogos Nhai}}

==Non-human races==
Not much is known about the cultures of non-human sapient races, who have dwindled to near-extinction in recent millennia.

*Scattered accounts of the Children of the Forest state that their females hunted and fought alongside their males.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Dawn Age}}
*Among the fur-covered, Sasquatch-like race of [[Giants]], it is observed that their females look very similar to their males{{Ref|ASOS|15}}{{Ref|AGOT|53}}
*As for "[[The Others]]", the "white walkers" of the [[Long Night]], there hasn't been any confirmation that they even have females - though the legend of the [[Night's King's corpse queen|Night's Queen]] (if true) seems to imply that this is possible. Old Nan's scary nursery stories claim that the Others kidnap human women to sire foul half-Other children with them - though this may just be a tale to frighten misbehaving children. Even if there are female Others, however, that doesn't necessarily mean they even reproduce at all - or whether they are ice demons of some sort, never "born", but just happening to have gender.

[[Dragons]], while not a sapient race but animals (albeit very intelligent ones), are still noteworthy for their relatively unusual reproductive biology. Dragons have no fixed gender differentiation - according to Barth and Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]], dragons are “but now one and now the other, as changeable as flame”,{{Ref|AFFC|35}} presumably meaning that they are able to [[w:Sequential hermaphroditism|change from one sex to the other]]. This knowledge was later lost, with many [[maesters]] doubting that was true. Maester [[Yandel]]'s commentary in ''[[The World of Ice and Fire (Yandel)|The World of Ice and Fire]]'' indicates he believed a dragon to be female if it had laid eggs. He took the fact that [[Vermax]] was never observed laying eggs as proof that it must have been male.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}}

==Prostitution==
:{{Main|Prostitution}}

==Contraception==

Condoms are not present in the medieval world of Westeros. In real life, medical treatises only start mentioning the existence of condoms (made of lambskin, linen, etc.) starting at the time of the Renaissance in the 1500s.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_condoms Wikipedia article on history of condoms]</ref> The only birth control that men ever make use of in Westeros is the withdrawal method (''Coitus interruptus'').<ref>[https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Concordance/Section/2.5.1./ Westeros.org Citadel - Concordance,] 2.5.1 Medicines and Poisons</ref>

Women may rely on several herbal mixtures as a means of contraception or abortion, most notably "[[Moon tea]]" (also known as "tansy tea").{{Ref|ASOS|80}}{{Ref|ASOS|15}} One of the main ingredients in moon tea is a drop of [[Pennyroyal]] - a main ingredient in several abortion drugs during the real-life Middle Ages.<ref name=RuthMazo>Ruth Mazo Karras, ''Sexuality in Medieval Europe: Doing Unto Others'' (Routledge, 2005, 2d ed. 2012)</ref>

The views of major religions in Westeros and beyond on contraception and abortion have not been stated. Women seem to obtain moon tea from itinerant [[Woods witch|woods witches]] at the fringes of society more often than they obtain it from [[maester]]s, although at least [[Margaery Tyrell]] is claimed to have requested moon tea from Grand Maester [[Pycelle]], for unspecified purpose.{{Ref|AFFC|39}} Devout members of the Faith oppose it, however, as when the High Sparrow listed off Margaery Tyrell's alleged sins he said that she took moon tea to "murder the fruit of her fornications".{{Ref|AFFC|43}} Given that the High Sparrow is a fanatic, it is unknown what the mainstream/everyday views of the Faith are towards moon tea - i.e. the High Sparrow also lists off adultery as a serious crime deserving heavy penance.

The Free Folk beyond the Wall similarly use moon tea for abortions: [[Tormund]] remarks to [[Jon Snow]] that if [[Ygritte]] doesn't want to be pregnant with his child she'll simply find a woods witch who can give her moon tea.{{Ref|ASOS|15}} Prostitutes in brothels frequently use moon tea.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

==Gender and Sexuality in real-life Medieval Europe==
The society of real-life Medieval Europe, like Greco-Roman societies before it, did not actually possess a binary of heterosexual versus homosexual. Instead, the sexual categories of the Greco-Romans were divided along a Top/Bottom dichotomy, between those who penetrate and those who get penetrated. Men who penetrated other men were seen as normal and masculine; only men who were penetrated were considered unusual or shamefully effeminate. Societies with Top/Bottom dichotomy, heavily defined by penetration, also often did not conceptually recognize female homosexuality, even to condemn it.<ref name=RuthMazo>Ruth Mazo Karras, ''Sexuality in Medieval Europe: Doing Unto Others'' (Routledge, 2005, 2d ed. 2012)</ref>

The society of Medieval Europe was similar to the older Greco-Roman models, with a Top/Bottom binary, given that both were male-dominated societies in which religious moral instruction was itself dominated by male priests. Pagan Viking culture in ancient Scandinavia similarly followed a Top/Bottom binary. The major difference is that Medieval Christianity came to practice clerical celibacy for monks and nuns, so that the fundamental division of society became between celibate or non-celibate (not heterosexual verus homosexual), and among the non-celibate, this was further divided into Top/Bottom binary. These patterns only ended with the massive social changes of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s, during which clerical celibacy was rejected by Protestants, and even the Catholic Church had to respond with a new emphasis on praising sex within marriage among the non-celibate.<ref name=RuthMazo/>

===Homosexuality in real-life Medieval Europe===
"Homosexuality" did not exist as a conceptual category in real-life Medieval Europe. It was seen as an action someone could perform, like adultery, but not as an exclusive category of identity. Given that the main social divide was between the celibate and the non-celibate, all non-procreative sex was frowned upon. A man receiving fellatio was condemned by the Church because it wasn't procreative, regardless of whether a woman or another man was performing it.<ref name=RuthMazo/>

Homosexual behaviors were seen as a venal sin of the flesh, rather than being heavily vilified. It was roughly on par with adultery or masturbation, both of which were frowned upon, but mass persecutions of homosexuals were not commonplace.

==Quotes==
{{Quote|Our bodies were shaped by our Father and Mother so we might join male to female and beget trueborn children. It is base and sinful for women to sell their holy parts for coin.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}|Septon [[Raynard]] to Cersei Lannister}}

{{Quote|There are other customs besides that mark the Dornish as different. They are not greatly concerned if a child is born in wedlock or out of it, especially if the child is born to a paramour. Many lords—and even some ladies—have paramours, chosen for love and lust rather than for breeding or alliance. And when it comes to matters of love, that a man might lie with another man, or a woman with another woman, is likewise not cause for concern—and while the septons have often wished to shepherd the Dornishmen to the righteous path, they have had little effect.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}}}}

{{Quote|The man's infamous, and not just for poisoning his sword. He has more [[bastard]]s than [[Robert Baratheon|Robert]], and beds with boys as well.{{Ref|ASOS|62}}|[[Jaime Lannister]] to [[Tywin Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|He knew the man only by reputation...but the reputation is fearsome...His tourneys, his battles, his duels, his horses, his carnality... it was said that he bedded men and women both, and had begotten bastard girls all over Dome.{{Ref|ASOS|38}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]; the very literal way that Jaime and Tyrion describe Oberyn's sexuality avoids using modern terms such as "homosexual" or "bisexual"}}

{{Quote|A man may prefer the taste of [[hippocras]], yet if you set a tankard of ale before him, he will quaff it quick enough.{{Ref|AFFC|3}}|[[Cersei Lannister]], speculating that [[Renly Baratheon]] may have deflowered [[Margaery Tyrell]], despite his inclinations towards her brother Loras}}

{{Quote|One objection was raised: Laenor Velaryon was now nineteen years of age yet had never shown any interest in women. Instead he surrounded himself with handsome squires of his own age and was said to prefer their company. But Grand Maester Mellos dismissed this concern out of hand. "What of it?" he is supposed to have said. "I am not fond of fish, but when fish is served, I eat it." Thus was the match decided.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|Archmaester [[Gyldayn]]'s history, on the decision to arrange a marriage alliance between Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and [[Laenor Velaryon]]}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

[[Category:Culture]]
[[Category:LGBT+ characters| ]]