Kennelmaster
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Kennelmaster or master of hounds[1] is a position in a castle household, usually occupied by a lowborn man. The kennelmaster is charged with the training and care of a castle's hunting hounds.
Contents
About
In addition to their vast knowledge of hounds, which they often pass down to their lord and their lord's children, the kennelmaster might sometimes also possess knowledge of other similar beasts. For instance, Farlen, the kennelmaster of Winterfell, and Maester Luwin once taught Bran Stark how to tell the differences between direwolves and regular wolves.[2]
History
After reaching majority and beginning to rule in his own right, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen replaced the Red Keep's kennelmaster.[3]
The kennelmaster of Casterly Rock saved the life of his lord, Tytos Lannister, from a lioness. Tytos rewarded the man by knighting him, granting him lands and a towerhouse, and taking his son as his personal squire.[4]
Farlen, the kennelmaster of Winterfell, once told Sansa Stark that an animal takes after its master.[5] Theon Greyjoy learned all he knows about hounds from Farlen.[6]
Recent Events
A Clash of Kings
When the three ironborn who had gone to the mill by the Acorn Water with Theon Greyjoy and "Reek" die mysteriously, Theon blames Farlen and sentences the kennelmaster to death, needing four strikes to behead him. However, the men were actually murdered by "Reek" (with Theon's approval), as they knew the truth about the deaths of the "Stark boys".[7]
A Storm of Swords
When Grey Wind growls and is unwilling to pass through the portcullis with Robb Stark upon their arrival at the Twins for the Red Wedding, Lothar Frey offers to summon the master of hounds to tend to the direwolf. Robb declines, and orders Ser Raynald Westerling to stay with Grey Wind instead.[1] During the carnage that follows when the Freys betray the Starks, Grey Wind tears the kennelmaster's arm off his shoulder.[8]
Known kennelmasters
- Clegane, late kennelmaster of Casterly Rock and founder of House Clegane.[4]
- Farlen, kennelmaster of Winterfell.[2]
- Bass, a steward at Castle Black.[9]
- Chett, in charge of the dogs during the great ranging beyond the Wall.[10]
- Ben Bones, kennelmaster of the Dreadfort.[11]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 49, Catelyn VI.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 37, Bran V.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 18, Sansa II.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 15, Sansa I.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 50, Theon IV.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 56, Theon V.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Appendix.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 52, Jon VII.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 23, Jon III.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 12, Reek I.