Bat

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White Vampire Bat, by Kevin Catalan

A bat is a flying noctural mammals.

Breeds and range

Bats can be found in caverns[1][2] and abandonned towers of the known world.[3] A species of pale white vampire bat drinker of blood and capable of killing a man in a few minutes lives in the caverns of Green Hell in Sothoryos.[2] Bats of gigantic size also live in caves beyond the Wall, such as in the cave of the three-eyed crow.[4]

Culture

The arms of House Lothston

The sigil of House Lothston of Harrenhal depicted a black bat. More than half a century after the Lothston's downfall, their arms are still considerate to be of ill repute. The Lothston's successor, House Whent, also depicts bats on their sigil.[5][6]

In Westeros, the first hour of the night after the sun is set is called the hour of the bat.[7]

Ser Raymond Rychard depicted a red bat on his heraldry.[8]

Ser Oswell Whent of the Kingsguard wore a black bat spreading its wings on his white helm.[9]

A deity looking like a pregnant woman with swollen breasts and a bat's head is among the many gods worshipped in Pentos.[10]

Harpies have wings of a bat or a dragon instead of arms.[11]

History

Notable events that occurred during the hour of the bat include Septon Barth announcing the death of Princess Aerea Targaryen in 56 AC,[7] and King Viserys I Targaryen being found dead by a servant in 129 AC. King Viserys was fond of drinking hippocras at this hour.[12]

Danelle Lothston, Lady of Harrenhal, was rumored to practice the black arts. One story claims she sent giant bats out of Harrenhal on moonless night to take the bad children back to her.[6]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Grenn mocks Pyp comparing his large ears to those of bats.[13] According to Mirri Maz Duur, Daenerys Targaryen's stillborn son, Rhaego, is born with leather wings reminiscent of a bat.[14]

A Storm of Swords

After the death of King Joffrey I Baratheon at his wedding feast, a rumor spreads that the missing Sansa Stark used magic to transform herself into a wolf with bat wings in order to escape King's Landing.[15]

A Dance with Dragons

When meeting with Ser Barristan Selmy in secret, Skahaz mo Kandaq wears a blood bat mask of the Brazen Beasts.[16]

References

  1. The World of Ice & Fire, The Westerlands: Casterly Rock.
  2. 2.0 2.1 The World of Ice & Fire, Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos.
  3. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 30, Arya VII.
  4. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 34, Bran III.
  5. The Citadel: Heraldry
  6. 6.0 6.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 9, Brienne II.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Fire & Blood, Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies.
  8. The Hedge Knight, Graphic Novel.
  9. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 39, Eddard X.
  10. Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under Jaehaerys I.
  11. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 23, Daenerys II.
  12. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens.
  13. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 26, Jon IV.
  14. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 68, Daenerys IX.
  15. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 74, Arya XIII.
  16. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 67, The Kingbreaker.