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The Battle of the Blackwater is a large battle fought between the forces loyal to King Joffrey I Baratheon, the King on the Iron Throne, and those loyal to Stannis Baratheon during the War of the Five Kings. Having eliminated his younger brother Renly and gained some fifteen thousand soldiers from the stormlands and Reach, Stannis begins his march on King's Landing, intent on seizing the city and claiming the throne. Queen Regent Cersei Lannister has ordered wildfire in preparation for the city's defense, while her brother Tyrion has ordered the construction of a great chain boom across the mouth of the Blackwater Rush. Ser Imry Florent, leading Stannis' fleet, has the fleet sail towards the docks immediately, leaving only the ships of the Lysene Salladhor Saan out in the bay. As soon as the first two battle lines of ships have crossed, the defenders of King's Landing begin to raise the chain. King Joffrey's ships engage Stannis' ship, but soon light the river afire on account of having been filled with wildfire, destroying most ships present. By then, the chain has been raised completely, preventing the ships from fleeing.

A few ships escape the inferno and land men on the riverfront, who attack the King's Gate and River Gate. When Sandor Clegane, fearing the wildfire, refuses to lead another sortie, Tyrion Lannister takes the command. During the battle on the riverfront, he realizes that by now, the ships in the water, smashed together and burning, have formed a bridge over the river, allowing Stannis’ vanguard of twenty thousand men to cross the river. The cities gates are closed, and Queen Regent Cersei, fearing for the safety of her son, orders King Joffrey to be brought to the Red Keep, with disastrous results. Seeing their king flee the scene, the defenders are robbed of their courage, and kill their officers while attempting to flee. After a night of battle, victory seems within Stannis’ grasp. Read more…