Castellan

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A castellan is a person appointed, usually by a ruling lord or lady, to oversee the defense of a castle when the lord himself is away or unable to attend to the tasks himself.

Duties

Castellans are usually male, although women can be appointed to the position as well.[1] Preference might be given to warriors, who have knowledge and skill in warfare.[2]

Should the lord who appointed the castellan die, the castellan will remain in office until the new lord or lady dismisses him.[3] Additionally, a castellan might retain his position after the lord's death due to said lord's will, despite the new ruler having taken position.[4][N 1]

Castellans can be appointed when the lord goes to war. Lords who appoint a castellan when they march to fight at the start of the War of the Five Kings include Lord Gawen Westerling,[5] Ser Helman Tallhart,[6] Lord Jon Umber[7][8] and Lord Rickard Karstark.[1]

Some lords might prefer to leave the castle under the command of their wives, who are subsequently able to name a castellan if need be.[9] Other lords might choose to appoint a castellan during times of peace when they spent longer periods of time away from their seat, like Prince Doran Martell,[10] Lord Renly Baratheon,[11] and Lord Stannis Baratheon.[12] In addition, castellans can serve while a lord remains at his seat, giving the lord counsel.[13]

A castellan has no right to make marriage pacts.[14]

History

Some of the Tyrells who served House Gardener as High Steward were appointed castellan in times of war.[15]

When King Morden II Durrandon named his baseborn half-brother Ronard Storm as his castellan, Ronard came to rule the stormlands in all but name. He wed Morden's sister, and claimed the kingship within five years of his appointment. His rule lasted nigh unto thirty years.[16]

Following their initial conquest during the First Dornish War, the Targaryens left Lord Jon Rosby as the castellan of Sunspear. He was killed by Meria Martell, the ancient Princess of Dorne, who threw him out of a window atop the Spear Tower.[17]

When Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen left Dragonstone for King's Landing during the Dance of the Dragons, Ser Alfred Broome, the most senior of Rhaenyra's knights at Dragonstone, expected to be named as castellan. After Rhaenyra passed him over in favor of Ser Robert Quince, Ser Alfred participated in the coup against Robert when King Aegon II Targaryen's supporters sought support on the island.[18]

Recent history

When the Princess of Dorne journeyed past the southern and western coast of the Seven Kingdoms to meet with potential spouses for her younger children, she left her eldest son and heir, Doran Martell, as her castellan of Sunspear.[19]

Ser Harbert was the castellan of Storm's End in 278 AC, when Lord Steffon Baratheon and his wife, Lady Cassana Estermont, drowned in Shipbreaker Bay.[20]

While Jon Arryn and King Robert I Baratheon's younger brothers (Stannis and Renly) are living at King's Landing to serve on the small council, their respective seats are being ruled by a castellan named by them; Ser Nestor Royce served as High Steward of the Vale for fourteen years,[21][N 2] Ser Axell Florent served on Dragonstone as castellan for a decade,[12] and Ser Cortnay Penrose is serving as both the castellan of Storm's End,[11] and the foster father of King Robert's bastard son Edric Storm, who is raised at Storm's End by its castellans.[22][23][24]

In 296 AC, Humfrey Wagstaff, the castellan of Grandview, was betrothed to Brienne of Tarth, but the betrothal was called off after she defeated him in a duel.[25] Manfrey Martell was named castellan of Sunspear when Prince Doran left his seat for the Water Gardens in 298 AC.[10]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

When Lord Roose Bolton and Lord Rickard Karstark marched south with Robb Stark's host, they named, respectively, their bastard son Ramsay Snow and uncle Arnolf Karstark as the castellan of Karhold and the Dreadfort,[8][1] while Lord Jon Umber named his uncles Hother and Mors Umber as joint castellans of Last Hearth.[7][8]

Ser Rodrik Cassel is appointed castellan of Winterfell by Lady Catelyn Stark after she decides to join her son, Robb Stark, at Moat Cailin.[2]

A Clash of Kings

Following the death of Lord Hayford, the castle of Hayford passed to Lady Ermesande Hayford, a baby and the last of her line,[26] meaning that the castellan of Hayford is now the de facto ruler of the Hayford lands until Ermesande comes of age.

When Lord Petyr Baelish suggests spreading the rumor that Lady Selyse Florent had an affair from which the daughter of Stannis Baratheon, Shireen, Tyrion Lannister offers Dragonstone's castellan, Ser Axell Florent, as the rumored father.[27]

Following Cortnay Penrose's death, his lieutenant, Lord Elwood Meadows, immediately gives up the castle and Edric Storm, briefly holding the position of castellan,[28] until it was given to Gilbert Farring.[7]

When Lord Edmure Tully and Lord Tywin Lannister leave their respective castles to battle each other at the Red Fork of the Trident, Ser Desmond Grell was left behind as castellan of Riverrun,[29] while Tywin names Amory Lorch as the new castellan,[30] but he was then thrown into Harrenhal's bear pit during the fall of Harrenhal to Roose Bolton.[31]

Lorren was left in charge of Winterfell by Theon Greyjoy when the latter went to search for the missing Bran and Rickon Stark, Jojen and Meera Reed, Hodor, Osha, Summer and Shaggydog.[32]

When Cersei Lannister attempts to smuggle her son Tommen Baratheon from King's Landing to keep him from harm during the upcoming Battle of the Blackwater, she sends him disguised to Rosby. Tyrion Lannister orders his men to intercept Tommen's escort and take the boy, continuing as planned to Rosby, where he judges Lord Gyles Rosby will order his castellan to open the gates.[33]

A Storm of Swords

Nestor Royce serves as castellan of the Eyrie under Lord Robert Arryn during the regency of Lady Lysa Arryn.[7]

After Lady Catelyn freed Jaime Lannister, it falls upon Riverrun's castellan Ser Desmond to confine her until her son Robb Stark decides what to do with her.[29]

Ser Rolph Spicer is named castellan of the Crag when his brother-in-law, Lord Gawen Westerling, marches to the riverlands as part of the Lannister army. He holds his position until the storming of the Crag by the northern forces.[5]

Ser Brynden Tully is named castellan of Riverrun when Lord Edmure traveled to the Twins for his wedding.[34]

When Bowen Marsh, castellan of Castle Black,[35] marches west to battle raiders of the free folk, he leaves the old Ser Wynton Stout as Castle Black's new castellan.[36]

Polliver is named castellan of Harrenhal when Ser Gregor Clegane is called to King's Landing for Tyrion Lannister's trial by combat,[37] but Polliver is soon killed by Sandor Clegane at the crossroads inn.[38]

Rolland Storm is named castellan of Dragonstone when King Stannis sails north, to the Wall.[39]

A Feast for Crows

After Cersei Lannister refuses to name her uncle, Ser Kevan Lannister, as King Tommen I Baratheon's regent and Hand, he requests to be named castellan of Casterly Rock.[40] In her anger, Cersei names her cousin, Damion Lannister, as her castellan for Casterly Rock to spite him.[41]

Rufus Leek is named castellan of the Dun Fort when Lord Renfred Rykker rides to Maidenpool with Randyll Tarly's host.[25]

Ralf Kenning is named castellan of Moat Cailin when Victarion Greyjoy sailed back to the Iron Isles for the Kingsmoot.[42]

Queen Regent Cersei Lannister ordered Ser Jaime Lannister to appoint Bonifer Hasty, commander of the Holy Hundred, as castellan of Harrenhal after taking the castle from Gregor Clegane's men.[37] Jaime suspected that the appointment originated form Lord Orton Merryweather.[37]

A Dance with Dragons

Jon Snow is surprised that the letter of Stannis Baratheon to Bear Island is answered by the young Lyanna Mormont, as he believes Lady Maege Mormont would have left at least one of her older daughters behind as castellan when she left home to answer Robb Stark's call to arms.[1]

Erik was named castellan of Pyke while King Euron went “chasing dragons”.[43]

Known castellans

Castle Castellan On behalf of Notes
Brightwater Keep Ser Colin Florent[8] Lord Alester Florent  
The Crag Ser Rolph Spicer Lord Gawen Westerling Rolph is named castellan of the Crag when his brother-in-law, Lord Gawen, marches to the riverlands as part of the Lannister army. He holds his position until the Crag is taken by northern forces.[5]
Casterly Rock Ser Damion Lannister Lady Cersei Lannister Damion became castellan of Casterly Rock in 300 AC,[40] after Queen Regent Cersei refused to name her uncle, Ser Kevan Lannister, to the position.[41]
Castle Black Lord Steward Bowen Marsh Lord Commander Jeor Mormont Bowen is named castellan of Castle Black when Lord Commander Jeor Mormont leaves on the Great Ranging in early 299 AC.[44][35]
Ser Wynton Stout Lord Steward Bowen Marsh Wynton is named castellan by Castle Black's previous castellan, Bowen Marsh, when Marsh marches west to battle raiders of the free folk.[36]
Coldmoat Ser Lucas Inchfield Lord Wyman Webber[4]  
Lady Rohanne Webber[4]  
Dreadfort Ramsay Snow[8] Lord Roose Bolton Ramsay became castellan of the Dreadfort sometime after his father, Lord Roose Bolton, marched south with Robb Stark's host.[8]
Dragonstone Ser Robert Quince Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen Robert was named castellan of Dragonstone during the Dance of the Dragons, when she leaves her seat to claim the Iron Throne[18]
Ser Axell Florent Lord Stannis Baratheon Axel served on Dragonstone as castellan for a decade, while Lord Stannis lived at King's Landing to serve on the small council.[12]
Ser Rolland Storm Rolland was named castellan of Dragonstone when Stannis sails north, to the Wall.[39] He refuses to fight Ser Loras Tyrell in single combat during the siege of Dragonstone.[45] Dragonstone falls to the force sent by the Iron Throne not long after.[45]
Dun Fort Ser Rufus Leek Lord Renfred Rykker When Lord Renfred rides to Maidenpool with Randyll Tarly's host, Rufus is named castellan of the Dun Fort to look after Lady Rykker and her young children.[25]
Gates of the Moon Ser Nestor Royce[7] House Arryn[N 2]
Grandview Ser Humfrey Wagstaff Lord Grandison[N 3] Humfrey was castellan of Grandview when Brienne of Tarth was sixteen years old.[25][N 4]
Griffin's Roost Ser Ronald Connington Lord Jon Connington When Jon leaves for King's Landing to attend to Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, Ronald is named castellan of Jon's seat. Following Jon's exile during Robert's Rebellion, Ronald inherits the lordship of Griffin's Roost. Although he is allowed to keep the castle, after the war the new king, Robert I Baratheon, takes away his lordship and reduces him to the Knight of Griffin's Roost.[46]
Hayford Unknown[37] Lady Ermesande Hayford  
Harrenhal Ser Simon Strong Lord Larys Strong Simon serves as castellan during the Dance of the Dragons, and yields the castle to Prince Daemon Targaryen.[18]
Ser Amory Lorch Lord Tywin Lannister When Lord Tywin Lannister marched west to fight the northern army of Robb Stark during the War of the Five Kings, Amory was named castellan of Harrenhal, the seat Tywin and his army had been occupying.[30][31]
Polliver Ser Gregor Clegane Polliver was named castellan of Harrenhal by Ser Gregor when Gregor was called to King's Landing for Tyrion Lannister's trial by combat.[37]
Ser Bonifer Hasty Queen Regent Cersei Lannister Queen Regent Cersei Lannister ordered Ser Jaime Lannister to appoint Ser Bonifer as castellan of Harrenhal after taking the castle from Gregor Clegane's men.[37] Jaime suspected that the appointment originated form Lord Orton Merryweather.[37]
Highgarden Unknown Lord Lyonel Tyrell The castellan of Highgarden, alongside Lyonel's mother and the steward of Highgarden, were Lord Lyonel's regents during his minority.[47]
Karhold Arnolf Karstark Lord Rickard Karstark Arnolf was named castellan by his nephew, Lord Rickard, when Rickard marched south with Robb Stark's host[1] and Rickard's sons refuse to stay behind at home[48] at the start of the War of the Five Kings.
Last Hearth Hother & Mors Umber Lord Jon Umber Hother and Mors are named joint castellans by their nephew when Lord Jon marches south with his sons to fight in Robb Stark's host.[7][8]
Moat Cailin Ralf Kenning Victarion Greyjoy Ralf was given command when Victarion sailed back to the Iron Isles for the Kingsmoot,[42] and was told to hold the castle until Victarion returned as the new King of the Iron Islands with a force of a thousand men.[49] Ralf held Moat Cailin until his death in 300 AC, shortly before Bolton forces took the castle.[49]
Pyke Erik Ironmaker King Euron III Greyjoy[50] Erik was named castellan of Pyke while King Euron went “chasing dragons”.[43]
Riverrun[8] Ser Desmond Grell Lord Edmure Tully While Edmure was away from Riverrun to battle Tywin Lannister's force at the Red Fork of the Trident, Ser Desmond was left behind as castellan.[29]
Ser Brynden Tully Brynden Tully remained behind at Riverrun when Lord Edmure traveled to the Twins for his wedding[34] and held Riverrun until Edmure returned the following year and yielded the castle to House Lannister.[51]
Rosby Unknown Lord Gyles Rosby[33]  
Stokeworth Unknown Lord Stokeworth During the Dance of the Dragons, the castellan of young Lord Stokeworth refused to grant Rhaenyra Targaryen hospitality for more than one night.[18]
Storm's End Ronard Storm King Morden II Durrandon Named castellan by his half-brother King Morden II. Later usurped Morden's throne with assistance of the queen consort, and ruled as Storm King for nearly thirty years.
Ser Harbert Lord Steffon Baratheon Castellan during the youth of Stannis Baratheon.[12] Known to have served as castellan in 278 AC, when Lord Steffon Baratheon and his wife, Lady Cassana Estermont, drowned in Shipbreaker Bay.[20]
Ser Cortnay Penrose Lord Renly Baratheon Served as castellan for Lord Renly while the latter served on King Robert I Baratheon's small council.[11]
Lord Elwood Meadows None Elwood served as the second-in-command to Ser Cortnay Penrose, the castellan of the deceased Renly Baratheon. He was shortly named castellan following Cortnay's own death.[28]
Ser Gilbert Farring[7] Lord Stannis Baratheon  
Sunspear Prince Doran Martell Princess of Dorne When the Princess of Dorne journeyed past the southern and western coast of the Seven Kingdoms to meet with potential spouses for her younger children, she left her eldest son and heir, Doran, as her castellan.[19]
Ser Manfrey Martell[52] Prince Doran Martell Manfrey was named castellan of Sunspear when Prince Doran Martell left his seat for the Water Gardens in 298 AC.[10] He continues to hold the position by 300 AC.[53]
Lord Jon Rosby House Targaryen Lord Rosby was named castellan of Sunspear following the initial Targaryen conquest during the First Dornish War. He was killed during the Defenestration of Sunspear shortly after the Targaryens left Dorne.[17]
Torrhen's Square Leobald Tallhart Ser Helman Tallhart Leobald was named castellan when his brother marched south as part of Robb Stark's host at the start of the War of the Five Kings.[6] He held the position until his death during the battle at Winterfell.[6][54]
Winterfell Rodrik Cassel House Stark Ser Rodrik Cassel was appointed castellan of Winterfell by Lady Catelyn Stark following her decision to join her son, Robb Stark, at Moat Cailin.[2] He held the position until his death during the battle at Winterfell.[54]
Lorren Prince Theon Greyjoy Lorren was left in charge of Winterfell by Theon Greyjoy when the latter went to search for the missing Bran and Rickon Stark, Jojen and Meera Reed, Hodor, Osha, Summer and Shaggydog.[32]
Wolf's Den Ser Bartimus[50] Lord Wyman Manderly  

Notes

  1. ↑ Before his death, Lord Wyman Webber attempts to marry his four-time widowed daughter Rohanne to his castellan, Ser Lucas Inchfield. When she refuses, Wyman states in his will that Rohanne must wed within the two years following his death, and appoints Lucas to scare off any unworthy suitors. Lucas remains castellan for Rohanne during this time, although she declares this is "not by my choice" (The Sworn Sword)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Serves as castellan under Lord Robert Arryn during the regency of Lady Lysa Arryn. Possibly named as castellan by Lord Jon Arryn during the years before his death.
  3. ↑ Possibly Lord Hugh Grandison, the aged Lord of House Grandison.
  4. ↑ Born in 280 AC, Brienne turned sixteen in 296 AC.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 3, Jon I.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 55, Catelyn VIII.
  3. ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 62, The Sacrifice.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 The Sworn Sword.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 14, Catelyn II.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 9, Bran I.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 A Storm of Swords, Appendix.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 A Feast for Crows, Appendix.
  9. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 4, Bran I.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 13, The Soiled Knight.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 39, Catelyn V.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 10, Davos I.
  13. ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Daeron I.
  14. ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 49, Jon X.
  15. ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: House Tyrell.
  16. ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Stormlands: House Durrandon.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 The World of Ice & Fire, Dorne: Dorne Against the Dragons.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 The Princess and the Queen.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 70, Tyrion X.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
  21. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 34, Catelyn VI.
  22. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 30, Eddard VII.
  23. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 36, Davos IV.
  24. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 54, Davos V.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 9, Brienne II.
  26. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 2, Sansa I.
  27. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 15, Tyrion III.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 45, Catelyn VI.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 2, Catelyn I.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 38, Arya VIII.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 47, Arya IX.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 50, Theon IV.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 44, Tyrion X.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 45, Catelyn V.
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 41, Jon V.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 48, Jon VI.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 37.3 37.4 37.5 37.6 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 27, Jaime III.
  38. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 74, Arya XIII.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 78, Samwell V.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 7, Cersei II.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 12, Cersei III.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 18, The Iron Captain.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 26, The Wayward Bride.
  44. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 32, Tyrion IV.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 32, Cersei VII.
  46. ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 61, The Griffin Reborn.
  47. ↑ Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold.
  48. ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 44, Jon IX.
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 20, Reek II.
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 A Dance with Dragons, Appendix.
  51. ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 44, Jaime VII.
  52. ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 2, The Captain Of Guards.
  53. ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 38, The Watcher.
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 66, Theon VI.
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