Humfrey Hardyng

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House Hardyng.svg Ser
Humfrey Hardyng
House Hardyng.svg
Humfrey Hardyng by Even Mehl Amundsen (cropped).jpg
Humfrey Hardyng, by Even Mehl Amundsen ©

Title Ser
Allegiance House Hardyng
Culture Valemen
Born Vale of Arryn[1]
Died In 209 ACAshford
Book The Hedge Knight (appears)

Humfrey Hardyng was a knight from House Hardyng during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen. His brother by marriage was Ser Humfrey Beesbury.[2]

History

Ser Humfrey was tourney knight of renown. He won a great melee at Maidenpool in 208 AC, and overthrew Ser Donnel of Duskendale and Lords Arryn and Royce in the lists.[2]

In 209 AC, Ser Humfrey participated in the tourney at Ashford Meadow, beginning the tourney as one of the five champions of the fair maid. In the first tilt, he was challenged by Lord Medgar Tully, who Humphrey knocked from the saddle on the second lance, finally defeating him with sword afoot. Next, he was challenged by Ser Joseth Mallister, who had to be carried from the field unconscious. He also faced his brother-in-law, Ser Humfrey Beesbury, in the lists on the first day. They broke a dozen lances apiece in an epic struggle the smallfolk soon began calling "the Battle of Humfrey." He won against his brother-in-law as well, and in total defeated fourteen formidable knights on the first day.[2]

In the final tilt of the first day, he was challenged by Prince Aerion Targaryen. During the first course, Prince Aerion's lance impaled his horse just above the armor that protected his breastbone, and exploded out of the back of his neck in a gout of bright blood. Ser Humfrey tried to leap free, but a foot caught in a stirrup and they heard his shriek as his leg was crushed between the splintered fence and falling horse. Lord Ashford declared Ser Humfrey the victor and awarded him Prince Aerion’s courser. Nevertheless, Humfrey was not able to continue as champion, as his leg was broken in two places. Prince Baelor Targaryen sent his own maester to tend him.[2]

Ser Humfrey joined the side of Ser Duncan the Tall in the trial of seven, wanting to get his revenge on Aerion, one of Duncan's accusers. He was seriously wounded in the trial and died of his wounds later.[2]

References