A Spymaster is a chief spy who owns a network of spies.
Culture
In Westeros, the master of whisperers is the spymaster for the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, the monarch on the Iron Throne.[1]
Some spymasters are said to have used rats and other vermin as their spies,[2] while others are known to use agile orphan children.[3]
History
Brynden Rivers, known as Lord Bloodraven, was a spymaster[4] with a network of spies while serving on Daeron II Targaryen's small council.[5] Brynden later served King Aerys I Targaryen as master of whisperers as well as Hand of the King.[6]
During his time in Pentos, Varys quickly realized the value of information, so he began training his spy network, preferring small orphan boys and young girls who were quick and quiet, whom he called "little mice". They acquired the information, letters, ledgers, and charts of the wealthy and powerful, thus becoming the city's most renowned spymaster. His spy network became so infamous that word of his talents crossed the Narrow Sea to reach the ears of King Aerys II Targaryen, who hired him as the new spymaster in King's Landing.[7] He used the crown's gold to create his spy network,[8] whom he called his "little birds".
Recent Events
A Game of Thrones
Lord Varys serves as the master of whisperers for King Robert I Baratheon[1] and his successor, Joffrey I Baratheon.[9]
A Feast for Crows
Following the disappearance of Varys from King's Landing, Qyburn replaces him, being allowed to work with Varys' little birds.[10]
A Dance with Dragons
Lysono Maar is a sellsword from Lys in service to the Golden Company as spymaster.[11]
Symond Frey is a spymaster who bribed several of Wyman Manderly's servants and two knights to spy on the Lord of White Harbor for the Freys.[12][13]
Known spymasters
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 12, Eddard II.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 18, Catelyn IV.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 asoiaf.westeros.org: World of Ice and Fire App Update - Spymaster (May 4, 2014)
- ↑ The Mystery Knight.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 5, Tyrion II.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 58, Eddard XV.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 43, Cersei X.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 24, The Lost Lord.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 29, Davos IV.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 46, A Ghost in Winterfell.