A scorpion is a type of siege weapon similar to the scorpio of Rome. Often mounted on the battlements of castles[1][2] or deployed on ships,[3][4] they can attack with heavy stones,[5] yard-long iron-headed shafts,[6] and fire spears.[7]
History
During the First Dornish War, a scorpion bolt fired from the highest tower of the Hellholt struck Meraxes in the eye.[8]
Prince Morion Martell loaded his ships with massive scorpions for the Fourth Dornish War, but the fleet was destroyed by the dragons of House Targaryen while crossing the Sea of Dorne.[9]
During the Dance of the Dragons, multiple iron bolts fired from scorpions struck Meleys during the battle at Rook's Rest, but were unable to bring down the dragon.[10] Stormcloud was mortally wounded by a scorpion bolt.[10]
Balon Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Islands, loaded the decks of his new Iron Fleet with scorpions and spitfires before Greyjoy's Rebellion.[4]
Recent Events
A Game of Thrones
Catelyn Stark sees scorpions on the battlements of the Twins.[1]
A Clash of Kings
Tyrion Lannister, the acting Hand of the King, has carpenters build scorpions, catapults, and spitfires in anticipation of the Battle of the Blackwater.[11][12] The deck of Fury, the flagship of Stannis Baratheon, is filled with scorpions for the battle.[3]
Arya Stark sees rows of wood-and-iron scorpions on the battlements of Harrenhal, which is held by the host of Lord Tywin Lannister.[2]
The host of Ser Rodrik Cassel brings scorpions and catapults when they besiege the ironborn-held Winterfell.[13]
A Storm of Swords
The Night's Watch load their scorpions with fire spears to use against the wildlings of Mance Rayder during the battle beneath the Wall.[7] The turtle of the wildlings resists scorpion bolts and fire arrows.[14]
A Feast for Crows
At Braavos, Arya sees scorpions, spitfires, and trebuchets defending the battlements of the Arsenal.[15]
A Dance with Dragons
Lord Davos Seaworth sees scorpions and spitfires defending Seal Rock at White Harbor.[16]
The Yunkai'i build catapults, scorpions, and tall trebuchets for the second siege of Meereen.[17]
Quotes
Missandei: It is said that the Yunkai'i have ringed the city all about with scorpions, to loose iron bolts into the sky should Drogon return.
Barristan: It is no simple thing to slay a dragon in the sky.[18]—Missandei and Barristan Selmy
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 59, Catelyn IX.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 26, Arya VI.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 58, Davos III.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Iron Islands: The Old Way and the New.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 45, Catelyn VI.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 57, Sansa V.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 64, Jon VIII.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, The Wars of King Aegon I.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 3, Tyrion I.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 17, Tyrion IV.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 66, Theon VI.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 69, Jon IX.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 6, Arya I.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 15, Davos II.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 43, Daenerys VII.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 55, The Queensguard.