Headsman
A headsman is an executioner who beheads condemned people on behalf of an authority, such as a king or lord.
Contents
Culture
Many headsmen use axes to dispatch their victims,[1][2][3][4] although Ser Ilyn Payne uses a greatsword.[5][6] The head of the condemned can be placed on a headsman's block during the execution.[7]
The King's Justice is the royal executioner for the King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, the monarch who sits the Iron Throne.[8][9]
Instead of using a headsman, the Lords of Winterfell from House Stark choose to execute condemned people themselves, in the manner of the First Men.[10]
The Lords of the Eyrie from House Arryn throw the condemned out of the Moon Door instead of employing a headsman.[11]
Known headsmen
- Garth, at the Wolf's Den
- Ser Ilyn Payne, King's Justice
- Ser Victor Risley, King's Justice
Quotes
A ruler who hides behind paid executioners soon forgets what death is.[10]
References
- ↑ Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 12, Tyrion II.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 38, Jaime VI.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 15, Sansa I.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 72, Jaime IX.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 20, Catelyn III.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 16, Eddard III.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 43, Eddard XI.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 1, Bran I.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 38, Tyrion V.