Paramour: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 18:19, 13 August 2026

A paramour, ^[1] mistress,^[2] or concubine^[3]^[4] is the unmarried lover of a noble.

Culture

In Dorne, it is common for lords and ladies to have paramours, chosen out of love and lust rather than political alliances. Dornishmen are not greatly concerned if a bastard is born to a paramour.^[5] Dorne gives a degree of social status to paramours, despite the "unchaste" nature of the relationship. Outside of Dorne, a Dornish paramour's status is less certain. They may be afforded the esteem granted in their homeland by the diplomatic-minded, or they may receive treatment ranging from slight social disdain to moral condemnation.^[1]

That same varying treatment also applies to paramours of non-Dornish nobles, even the mistresses of kings.^[6] A paramour can be of the same sex as their lover.^[7] Each partner in a marriage can have their own paramour, though it depends on the rank of the partners.^[8]

The Citadel does not allow its novices to keep wives or paramours, at least not openly.^[9]

History

When Lord Lyonel Hightower was forbidden by the High Septon from marrying his widowed step-mother, Samantha Tarly, he kept her as a paramour and fathered six children on her, before the election of a new High Septon allowed their marriage. The relationship was deemed highly scandalous.^[10]

Ser Terrence Toyne was found abed with King Aegon the Unworthy's mistress, Lady Bethany Bracken.^[11] Even though they proclaimed their love, Aegon had them executed.^[12]^[13]

It was a closely held secret that Prince Lewyn Martell kept a paramour despite the Kingsguard oaths of chastity.^[13] Ser Barristan Selmy and his other sworn brothers were aware of this, but kept his secret.^[14]

After Lord Selwyn Tarth's wife died, he kept a new "lady" every year.^[15]

Lynesse Hightower abandoned Ser Jorah Mormont in Lys, becoming instead the chief concubine of Tregar Ormollen.^[3]

Recent Events

A Clash of Kings

Against the order of his father, Lord Tywin Lannister, Tyrion Lannister keeps Shae as his concubine in King's Landing.^[4]

A Storm of Swords

A degree of social deference is given to Ellaria Sand by virtue of her relationship with Prince Oberyn Martell.^[1] While esteemed as a high-ranking woman by the Dornishmen, in King's Landing her presence at the high table at the royal wedding of King Joffrey I Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell would be taken as an insult by the noblewomen seated near her. Ellaria is instead placed at a place of honor near the dais.^[1] Olenna Redwyne refers to her as "the serpent's whore",^[16] in reference to Prince Oberyn's nickname of "the Red Viper".

Known paramours

Tyanna of the Tower, to King Maegor I Targaryen^[7] (eventually married)
Alys Harroway, to King Maegor I Targaryen^[7] (already married)
Tyanna of the Tower, to Alys Harroway^[7] (rumored)
Mysaria, to Prince Daemon Targaryen^[17]
Ser Harwin Strong, to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen^[17] (rumored)
Unnamed paramour, to King Aegon II Targaryen^[18]
Unnamed lowborn paramour, to Lord Humfrey Bracken^[19]
Unnamed favorite mistress, to Lord Jason Lannister^[19]
Sylvenna Sand, to Essie^[5]
Samantha Tarly, to Lord Lyonel Hightower^[10] (eventually married)
Lord Alyn Velaryon, to Princess Aliandra Martell^[20] (rumored)
Rue, to Lord Alyn Velaryon^[20] (rumored)
Unnamed mistress, to Lord Leowyn Corbray^[10]
The nine mistresses of King Aegon IV Targaryen:^[6]

Shiera Seastar, to Lord Brynden Rivers^[21]^[22]
First unnamed mistress, to Lord Tytos Lannister^[23]
Second unnamed mistress, to Lord Tytos Lannister^[23]
Several unnamed paramours, to King Aerys II Targaryen^[24]
Unnamed paramour, to Prince Lewyn Martell^[13]
Lynesse Hightower, to Tregar Ormollen^[3]
Unnamed draper's wife in King's Landing, to Ser Preston Greenfield^[13]
Unnamed paramour, to Lord Edgar Yronwood^[1]
Ellaria Sand, to Prince Oberyn Martell^[1]
Shae, to Tyrion Lannister^[4]
Daario Naharis, to Queen Daenerys Targaryen^[14]

Quotes

It was not as though he was the first man ever to keep a concubine.^[4]
—thoughts of Tyrion Lannister

And this is Ellaria Sand, mine own paramour.^[1]
—Oberyn Martell to Tyrion Lannister

Prince Lewyn was my Sworn Brother. In those days there were few secrets amongst the Kingsguard. I know he kept a paramour. He did not feel there was any shame in that.^[14]
—Barristan Selmy to Quentyn Martell

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 ^1.4 ^1.5 ^1.6 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 38, Tyrion V.
↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 24, Bran II.
↑ ^3.0 ^3.1 ^3.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 12, Daenerys I.
↑ ^4.0 ^4.1 ^4.2 ^4.3 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 29, Tyrion VII.
↑ ^5.0 ^5.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Seven Kingdoms: Dorne (Queer Customs of the South).
↑ ^6.0 ^6.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV.
↑ ^7.0 ^7.1 ^7.2 ^7.3 Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
↑ So Spake Martin: ConJose (San Jose, CA; August 29-September 2) (August 29, 2002).
↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 45, Samwell V.
↑ ^10.0 ^10.1 ^10.2 Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand.
↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV.
↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 16, Sansa II.
↑ ^13.0 ^13.1 ^13.2 ^13.3 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 13, The Soiled Knight.
↑ ^14.0 ^14.1 ^14.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 59, The Discarded Knight.
↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 45, Catelyn VI.
↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 53, Tyrion VI.
↑ ^17.0 ^17.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I.
↑ Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens.
↑ ^19.0 ^19.1 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold.
↑ ^20.0 ^20.1 Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist.
↑ The Sworn Sword.
↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I.
↑ ^23.0 ^23.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Seven Kingdoms: The Westerlands (House Lannister Under the Dragons).
↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II.

[Rasos38{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-1] 1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 ^1.4 ^1.5 ^1.6 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 38, Tyrion V.

[Rasos24{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-2] A Storm of Swords, Chapter 24, Bran II.

[Racok12{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-3] 3.0 ^3.1 ^3.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 12, Daenerys I.

[Racok29{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-4] 4.0 ^4.1 ^4.2 ^4.3 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 29, Tyrion VII.

[Rtwoiaf795-5] 5.0 ^5.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Seven Kingdoms: Dorne (Queer Customs of the South).

[Rtwoiaf411{{{4}}}-6] 6.0 ^6.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV.

[Rfab4{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-7] 7.0 ^7.1 ^7.2 ^7.3 Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.

[Rssm1285{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-8] So Spake Martin: ConJose (San Jose, CA; August 29-September 2) (August 29, 2002).

[Raffc45{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-9] A Feast for Crows, Chapter 45, Samwell V.

[Rfab20{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-10] 10.0 ^10.1 ^10.2 Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand.

[Rtwoiafthe_targaryen_kings:_aegon_iv{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-11] The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV.

[Rasos16{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-12] A Storm of Swords, Chapter 16, Sansa II.

[Raffc13{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-13] 13.0 ^13.1 ^13.2 ^13.3 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 13, The Soiled Knight.

[Radwd59{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-14] 14.0 ^14.1 ^14.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 59, The Discarded Knight.

[Racok45{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-15] A Clash of Kings, Chapter 45, Catelyn VI.

[Rasos53{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-16] A Storm of Swords, Chapter 53, Tyrion VI.

[Rtwoiaf45{{{4}}}-17] 17.0 ^17.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I.

[Rfab13{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-18] Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens.

[Rfab15{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-19] 19.0 ^19.1 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold.

[Rfab22{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-20] 20.0 ^20.1 Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist.

[Rtss{{{2}}}{{{3}}}{{{4}}}-21] The Sworn Sword.

[Rtwoiaf413{{{4}}}-22] The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I.

[Rtwoiaf761-23] 23.0 ^23.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Seven Kingdoms: The Westerlands (House Lannister Under the Dragons).

[Rtwoiaf417{{{4}}}-24] The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

[21]

[22]

[23]

[24]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[File:Sedone Thongvilay Paramour.jpg‎|thumb|350px|A paramour - by [http://sedone.me/ Sedone Thongvilay]. © Fantasy Flight Games]]
+[[File:Sedone Thongvilay Paramour.jpg|thumb|350px|A paramour, by Sedone Thongvilay © Fantasy Flight Games]]
-[[File:Federico Piatti Dornish Paramour.JPG|A [[Dornish]] paramour beckons - by Federico Piatti. © Fantasy Flight Games|thumb|350px]]
+A '''paramour''', {{Ref|ASOS|38}} '''mistress''',{{Ref|ASOS|24}} or '''concubine'''{{ref|ACOK|12}}{{ref|ACOK|29}} is the unmarried lover of a [[Nobility|noble]].
-[[File:Xia TaptaraJealousParamour.jpg|A jealous paramour - by Xia Taptara. © Fantasy Flight Games|thumb|350px]]
-A '''paramour''' is the unmarried lover of a noble.
-==About==
+==Culture==
-In [[Dorne]], lords and ladies can have paramours, chosen for love and lust rather than for breeding or alliance. [[Dornishmen]] are not greatly concerned if a [[bastard]] is born to a paramour.{{ref|twoiaf| Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}} Dorne gives a degree of social status to paramours, despite the "unchaste" nature of the relationship. Outside of Dorne, a Dornish paramour's status is less certain. They may be afforded the esteem granted in their homeland by the diplomatic-minded, or they may receive treatment ranging from slight social disdain to moral condemnation.{{ref|asos|38}}
+[[File:Xia TaptaraJealousParamour.jpg|thumb|350px|A jealous paramour, by Xia Taptara © Fantasy Flight Games]]
+In [[Dorne]], it is common for [[lord]]s and ladies to have paramours, chosen out of love and lust rather than political alliances. [[Dornishmen]] are not greatly concerned if a [[bastard]] is born to a paramour.{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|9|5}} Dorne gives a degree of social status to paramours, despite the "unchaste" nature of the relationship. Outside of Dorne, a Dornish paramour's status is less certain. They may be afforded the esteem granted in their homeland by the diplomatic-minded, or they may receive treatment ranging from slight social disdain to moral condemnation.{{Ref|ASOS|38}}
-That same varying treatment also applies to paramours of non-Dornish nobles, even the mistresses of kings.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} A paramour can be of the same sex as their lover. Each partner in a marriage can have their own paramour, though it depends on the rank of the partners.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1285 ConJose (SAN JOSE, CA; AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 2) (August 29, 2002)]</ref>
+That same varying treatment also applies to paramours of non-Dornish nobles, even the mistresses of kings.{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|11}} A paramour can be of the same sex as their lover.{{Ref|FAB|4}} Each partner in a marriage can have their own paramour, though it depends on the rank of the partners.{{Ref|SSM|1285}}
-The [[Citadel]] does not allow its novices to keep wives or paramours, at least not openly.{{Ref|aFfC|45}}
+The [[Citadel]] does not allow its novices to keep wives or paramours, at least not openly.{{Ref|AFFC|45}}
 ==History==
-It was a closely held secret that Prince [[Lewyn Martell]] kept a paramour despite the [[Kingsguard]] oaths of chastity.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] and his other sworn brothers were aware of this, but kept his secret.{{Ref|aDwD|59}}
+When Lord [[Lyonel Hightower]] was forbidden by the [[High Septon (Regency of Aegon III)|High Septon]] from marrying his widowed step-mother, [[Samantha Tarly]], he kept her as a paramour and fathered six children on her, before the election of [[High Septon (Aegon III)|a new High Septon]] allowed their marriage. The relationship was deemed highly scandalous.{{Ref|FAB|20}}
+Ser [[Terrence Toyne]] was found abed with King [[Aegon IV Targaryen|Aegon the Unworthy]]'s mistress, Lady [[Bethany Bracken]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} Even though they proclaimed their love, Aegon had them executed.{{Ref|ASOS|16}}{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
+It was a closely held secret that Prince [[Lewyn Martell]] kept a paramour despite the [[Kingsguard]] oaths of chastity.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] and his other sworn brothers were aware of this, but kept his secret.{{Ref|ADWD|59}}
+After Lord [[Selwyn Tarth]]'s wife died, he kept a new "lady" every year.{{Ref|ACOK|45}}
+[[Lynesse Hightower]] abandoned Ser [[Jorah Mormont]] in [[Lys]], becoming instead the chief concubine of [[Tregar Ormollen]].{{ref|ACOK|12}}
 ==Recent Events==
+===''A Clash of Kings''===
+Against the order of his father, Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], [[Tyrion Lannister]] keeps [[Shae]] as his concubine in [[King's Landing]].{{ref|ACOK|29}}
 ===''A Storm of Swords''===
-A degree of social deference is given to [[Ellaria Sand]] by virtue of her relationship with Prince [[Oberyn Martell]].{{ref|asos|38}} While esteemed as a high-ranking woman by the [[Dornishmen]], in [[King's Landing]] her presence at the high table at the [[Purple Wedding|royal wedding]] of King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] and [[Margaery Tyrell]] would be taken as an insult by the noblewomen seated near her. Ellaria is instead placed at a place of honor near the dais.{{ref|asos|38}} [[Olenna Redwyne]] refers to her as a "[[whore]]".{{ref|asos|53}}
+[[File:Drazenka Kimpel Ellaria Sand.JPG|thumb|350px|[[Oberyn Martell]] and [[Ellaria Sand]], by Drazenka Kimpel © Fantasy Flight Games]]
+A degree of social deference is given to [[Ellaria Sand]] by virtue of her relationship with Prince [[Oberyn Martell]].{{Ref|ASOS|38}} While esteemed as a high-ranking woman by the [[Dornishmen]], in [[King's Landing]] her presence at the high table at the [[Purple Wedding|royal wedding]] of King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] and [[Margaery Tyrell]] would be taken as an insult by the noblewomen seated near her. Ellaria is instead placed at a place of honor near the dais.{{Ref|ASOS|38}} [[Olenna Redwyne]] refers to her as "the [[serpent]]'s [[whore]]",{{Ref|ASOS|53}} in reference to Prince Oberyn's nickname of "the Red Viper".
-==Some known paramours==
+==Known paramours==
-*[[Mysaria]], to Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]]{{ref|trp}}{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}
+*[[Tyanna of the Tower]], to King [[Maegor I Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|4}} <small>(eventually married)</small>
-*Ser [[Harwin Strong]], to Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] (allegedly){{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}
+*[[Alys Harroway]], to King Maegor I Targaryen{{Ref|FAB|4}} <small>(already married)</small>
-*Unnamed paramour, to King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]{{ref|tpatq}}
+*[[Tyanna of the Tower]], to [[Alys Harroway]]{{Ref|FAB|4}} <small>(rumored)</small>
-*[[Sylvenna Sand]], to [[Essie]]{{ref|twoiaf| Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}}
+*[[Mysaria]], to Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|5}}
-*The nine mistresses of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]{{ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Braavos}}
+*Ser [[Harwin Strong]], to Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|5}} <small>(rumored)</small>
-*[[Shiera Seastar]], to Lord [[Brynden Rivers]]{{ref|tss}}{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I}}
+*Unnamed paramour, to King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|13}}
-*Several unnamed paramours, to King [[Aerys II Targaryen]]{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}}
+*Unnamed [[Smallfolk|lowborn]] paramour, to Lord [[Humfrey Bracken]]{{Ref|FAB|15}}
-*Unnamed paramour, to Prince [[Lewyn Martell]]{{Ref|aFfC|13}}
+*Unnamed favorite mistress, to Lord [[Jason Lannister]]{{Ref|FAB|15}}
-*Unnamed draper's wife in King's Landing, to Ser [[Preston Greenfield]]{{Ref|aFfC|13}}
+*[[Sylvenna Sand]], to [[Essie]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|9|5}}
-*Unnamed paramour, to Lord [[Edgar Yronwood]]{{ref|asos|38}}
+*[[Samantha Tarly]], to Lord [[Lyonel Hightower]]{{Ref|FAB|20}} <small>(eventually married)</small>
-*[[Ellaria Sand]], to Prince [[Oberyn Martell]]{{ref|asos|38}}
+*Lord [[Alyn Velaryon]], to Princess [[Aliandra Martell]]{{Ref|FAB|22}} <small>(rumored)</small>
-*[[Daario Naharis]], to Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]{{Ref|aDwD|59}}
+*[[Rue]], to Lord [[Alyn Velaryon]]{{Ref|FAB|22}} <small>(rumored)</small>
+*Unnamed mistress, to Lord [[Leowyn Corbray]]{{Ref|FAB|20}}
+*The nine mistresses of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]:{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|11}}
+{{Columns|count=2|colwidth=200px|style=width:50%|data=
+#Lady [[Falena Stokeworth]]
+#[[Megette]]
+#Lady [[Cassella Vaith]]
+#[[Bellegere Otherys]]
+#Lady [[Barba Bracken]]
+#Lady [[Melissa Blackwood]]
+#Lady [[Bethany Bracken]]
+#Lady [[Jeyne Lothston]]
+#Lady [[Serenei of Lys]]}}
+*[[Shiera Seastar]], to Lord [[Brynden Rivers]]{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|13}}
+*[[Tytos Lannister's first mistress|First unnamed mistress]], to Lord [[Tytos Lannister]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|6|1}}
+*[[Tytos Lannister's second mistress|Second unnamed mistress]], to Lord Tytos Lannister{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|6|1}}
+*[[Aerys II Targaryen's last mistress|Several unnamed paramours]], to King [[Aerys II Targaryen]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|4|17}}
+*Unnamed paramour, to Prince [[Lewyn Martell]]{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
+*[[Lynesse Hightower]], to [[Tregar Ormollen]]{{ref|ACOK|12}}
+*Unnamed [[draper's wife]] in King's Landing, to Ser [[Preston Greenfield]]{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
+*Unnamed paramour, to Lord [[Edgar Yronwood]]{{Ref|ASOS|38}}
+*[[Ellaria Sand]], to Prince [[Oberyn Martell]]{{Ref|ASOS|38}}
+*[[Shae]], to [[Tyrion Lannister]]{{ref|ACOK|29}}
+*[[Daario Naharis]], to Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]{{Ref|ADWD|59}}
 ==Quotes==
-{{Quote|And this is [[Ellaria Sand]], mine own paramour.{{ref|asos|38}}}} - [[Oberyn Martell]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]
+{{Quote|It was not as though he was the first man ever to keep a concubine.{{Ref|ACOK|29}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}
+{{Quote|And this is [[Ellaria Sand]], mine own paramour.{{Ref|ASOS|38}}|[[Oberyn Martell]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}
-{{Quote|Prince [[Lewyn Martell|Lewyn]] was my Sworn Brother. In those days there were few secrets amongst the [[Kingsguard]]. I know he kept a paramour. He did not feel there was any shame in that.{{Ref|aDwD|59}}}} - [[Barristan Selmy]] to [[Quentyn Martell]]
+{{Quote|Prince [[Lewyn Martell|Lewyn]] was my Sworn Brother. In those days there were few secrets amongst the [[Kingsguard]]. I know he kept a paramour. He did not feel there was any shame in that.{{Ref|ADWD|59}}|[[Barristan Selmy]] to [[Quentyn Martell]]}}
-==References and Notes==
+==References==
-{{references|2}}
+{{References}}
 [[Category:Mistresses and paramours| ]]
@@ Line 46: / Line 81: @@
 [[Category:Terms]]
-[[fr:amante de cœur]]
+[[fr:Amants et maîtresses]]