Jacelyn Bywater

Ser Jacelyn Bywater
Jacelyn Bywater, by Patrick McEvoy © Fantasy Flight Games
Alias	Ironhand
Titles	Ser Captain of the Mud Gate Commander of the City Watch Lord
Allegiances	House Bywater City Watch of King's Landing Tyrion Lannister
Culture	Crownlands
Born	Crownlands
Died	299 AC King's Landing
Books	A Clash of Kings (appears) A Storm of Swords (mentioned) A Feast for Crows (mentioned)

Jacelyn Bywater, called Ironhand, is a knight of House Bywater. He is a serving officer of the City Watch of King's Landing, and captain of the Mud Gate.

Appearance and Character

See also: Images of Jacelyn Bywater

Jacelyn is tall, lantern-jawed, with deep-set eyes, a prominent brow, and salt-and-pepper hair. He has an iron hand strapped to his right wrist where he lost his hand, hence his nickname.

Ironhand is considered brave and honorable by Varys, but is seen as rigid by the corrupt Janos Slynt.

History

Jacelyn received a knighthood from King Robert I Baratheon for his valor at the siege of Pyke during Greyjoy's Rebellion. Jacelyn lost his right hand during the fighting.

Recent Events

A Clash of Kings

Ser Jacelyn has been captain of the Mud Gate in King's Landing for three years when Tyrion Lannister arrives to take up the position of Hand of the King in 299 AC. He is named Commander of the City Watch after Tyrion dismisses Janos Slynt. Tyrion instructs Jacelyn to make sure that Allar Deem is thrown overboard while Summer's Dream sails to Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.

Jacelyn receives Ser Cleos Frey when the latter arrives to give terms from Robb Stark, King in the North. After Pycelle is imprisoned by Tyrion, Jacelyn defies Queen Cersei Lannister's attempt to free the Grand Maester.

Jacelyn leads a wedge of mounted lancers during the riot of King's Landing after Princess Myrcella Baratheon's departure to Dorne. Jacelyn tells Tyrion about the spread of bloody flux at Pisswater Bend, about the growing revolt among the smallfolk, and how Tyrion is personally blamed for the hard times. Tyrion orders Jacelyn to find the missing Tyrek Lannister. Jacelyn obeys Tyrion's orders to seize Prince Tommen Baratheon on the Rosby road, imprisoning Lord Gyles Rosby and Ser Boros Blount in the process, and keeping Tommen safe and out of reach of Cersei. For this Ironhand earns the queen's enmity, as well as a lordship from Tyrion.

Jacelyn providers runners to Tyrion during the Battle of the Blackwater.

A Storm of Swords

Bronn informs Tyrion that when King Joffrey I Baratheon retreated to the Red Keep during the Battle of the Blackwater, half of the gold cloaks tried to retreat as well. Jacelyn tried to rally them, but was then struck in the throat by an arrow. The gold cloaks dragged Ironhand from his horse and killed him. During a meeting of the small council, Tyrion suggests that Jacelyn's killers should have their knees broken. With Jacelyn dead, Cersei sends the Kettleblacks to free Tommen from Rosby.

Having lost his sword hand, Ser Jaime Lannister considers wearing a golden hand similar to the iron hand once worn by Jacelyn.

Quotes by Jacelyn

No man likes to look craven in the sight of his fellows, so they'll fight brave enough at the start, when it's all warhorns and blowing banners. But if the battle looks to be going sour they'll break, and they'll break bad. The first man to throw down his spear and run will have a thousand more trodding on his heels.

—Jacelyn to Tyrion Lannister

Quotes about Jacelyn

Bywater. Well. Brave man, to be sure, yet ... he's rigid, that one. A queer dog. The men don't like him. A cripple too, lost his hand at Pyke, that's what got him knighted. A poor trade, if you ask me, a hand for a ser. Ser Jacelyn thinks overmuch of himself and his honor, as I see it.

—Janos Slynt to Tyrion Lannister

You will find Ser Jacelyn to be courageous, honorable, obedient ... and most grateful.

—Varys to Tyrion Lannister