Hedge wizard

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A hedge wizard[1][2][3][4] or hedge maester[5] is a Westerosi local or traveling herb-doctor, who also likely uses traditional healing, spells and charms to heal the sick or help the needy.

Like hedge knights, they are often quite poor and sleep in hedges on occasion.[6] They are probably most popular amongst the smallfolk, as they are likely to be more affordable and accessible. Nobles probably do not employ the services of hedge wizards, or if they do, they do so clandestinely.

Recent Events

A Clash of Kings

Having arrived in Winterfell for the harvest feast, the steward of Deepwood Motte informs Prince Bran Stark and his councilors that he is setting aside only a tenth of his harvest. A hedge wizard had told him that there would be a bountiful spirit summer before the cold set in. Maester Luwin expresses his disapproval of hedge wizards, and Ser Rodrik Cassel tells the steward to set aside a fifth of the harvest instead.[1]

A Feast for Crows

In the Citadel, rumors say that Archmaester Marwyn keeps the company of hedge wizards, among other social outcasts.[2]

In King's Landing, one of the men trying to pass the head of a murdered dwarf as that of Tyrion Lannister—to collect the reward offered by Queen Regent Cersei Lannister—argues that a hedge wizard had regrown Tyrion's missing nose.[3]

A Dance with Dragons

When Lord Davos Seaworth arrives at White Harbor, he visits Fishfoot Yard and he finds it teeming with people. Beneath the arches of the peddler's colonnade, he sees that a hedge wizard has set up for business.[4]

Quotes

What you suggest is possible, my lord, yet I do not think it likely. Every hedge maester knows the common poisons, and Lord Arryn displayed none of the signs.[5]

Maester Luwin had a number of choice things to say about hedge wizards.[1]

—thoughts of Bran Stark

See also

References