Warden of the South

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Warden of the South
Warden of the South, by David Griffith © Fantasy Flight Games
Warden of the South, by David Griffith © Fantasy Flight Games
Office Supreme general in southern Westeros
Region Seven Kingdoms
Current Holder Mace Tyrell
First Holder Harlan Tyrell
Creator Aegon I Targaryen
Created Aegon's Conquest

Warden of the South is a warden title traditionally held by House Tyrell, the Lords of Highgarden and rulers of the Reach, on behalf of the Iron Throne. The warden has been responsible for the defense of the southern lands of the Seven Kingdoms since Aegon's Conquest.[1]

Responsibilities

The Warden of the South is tasked with defending the southern regions of the Seven Kingdoms from invaders.[2] When the title was created during Aegon's Conquest, for instance, the southern realm of Dorne had not yet submitted to House Targaryen.[1]

History

Warden of the South, by Adam Lane © Fantasy Flight Games

Mern IX Gardener, King of the Reach, and his kin from House Gardener were killed at the Field of Fire during Aegon's Conquest. When King Aegon I Targaryen arrived at Highgarden, the castle was surrendered to him by its steward, Harlan Tyrell. Aegon the Conqueror rewarded Harlan by naming him Warden of the South and Lord Paramount of the Mander.[1]

During the First Dornish War, Aegon sent Harlan to march against Uthor Uller, Lord of the Hellholt. Harlan's host was greatly weakened in the Dornish deserts, however, and they found the Hellholt abandoned by the Dornishmen. Harlan marched east toward Vaith after the Defenestration of Sunspear, but his host disappeared in the red sands of central Dorne in 5 AC.[3] When Aegon wanted to respond to Dornish attacks on Nightsong and Oldtown in 10 AC, young Lord Theo Tyrell was reluctant to support another invasion of Dorne.[3]

Lord Lyonel Tyrell participated in the conquest of Dorne by King Daeron I Targaryen, but he was assassinated at Sandstone.[4]

Known Wardens of the South

Lord Mace Tyrell, by Lukasz Jaskolski © Fantasy Flight Games

Quotes

Tyrell yielded up the keys to the castle without a fight and pledged his support to the conquering king. In reward Aegon granted him Highgarden and all its domains, naming him Warden of the South and Lord Paramount of the Mander, and giving him dominion over all House Gardener's former vassals.[1]

—writings of Gyldayn

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Fire & Blood, Aegon's Conquest.
  2. So Spake Martin: Social Structure, Moat Cailin, and More, June 10, 2002
  3. 3.0 3.1 Fire & Blood, Reign of the Dragon - The Wars of King Aegon I.
  4. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Daeron I.
  5. A Game of Thrones, Appendix.