Citadel: Difference between revisions
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[[File:The Citadel by Didier Graffet.jpg|thumb|350px|right|The Citadel in [[Oldtown]], as depicted by Didier Graffet for the [[A Song of Ice and Fire Calendar | [[File:The Citadel by Didier Graffet.jpg|thumb|350px|right|The Citadel in [[Oldtown]], as depicted by Didier Graffet for the 2017 ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire Calendar]]'']] | ||
The '''Citadel''' is a complex of buildings in [[Oldtown]] that serves as the central home to the order of the [[maesters]]. The name is also employed to refer to order of maesters as an institution, or the higher placed members.{{Ref|AFFC|45}} At the Citadel, the residing archmaesters teach and train new students, and convene in the [[Conclave]]. The Citadel is funded by taxes from Oldtown and payments from [[lord]]s for the service of maesters.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/ConJose_San_Jose_CA_August_29_September_22 ConJose (San Jose, CA; August 29-September 2)], August 29, 2002</ref> Maesters rigorously copy books at the Citadel.{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}} [[Leyton Hightower]], the Lord of Oldtown, includes [[Protector of the Citadel]] among his titles.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} | The '''Citadel''' is a complex of buildings in [[Oldtown]] that serves as the central home to the order of the [[maesters]]. The name is also employed to refer to order of maesters as an institution, or the higher placed members.{{Ref|AFFC|45}} At the Citadel, the residing archmaesters teach and train new students, and convene in the [[Conclave]]. The Citadel is funded by taxes from Oldtown and payments from [[lord]]s for the service of maesters.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/ConJose_San_Jose_CA_August_29_September_22 ConJose (San Jose, CA; August 29-September 2)], August 29, 2002</ref> Maesters rigorously copy books at the Citadel.{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}} [[Leyton Hightower]], the Lord of Oldtown, includes [[Protector of the Citadel]] among his titles.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} | ||
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==Layout== | ==Layout== | ||
{{See also|:Category:Images of the Citadel|l1=Images of the Citadel}} | {{See also|:Category:Images of the Citadel|l1=Images of the Citadel}} | ||
The Citadel lies on the [[Honeywine]], where its towers and domes are connected with arching stone bridges. Houses and stalls sit on the bridges. It lies upriver compared to the [[Starry Sept]] and [[Battle Island]].{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} The gates are flanked by a pair of tall green [[sphinx]]es with the bodies of lions, the wings of eagles and the tails of serpents. One has the face of a man, the other a woman.{{Ref|AFFC|45}} | The Citadel lies on the [[Honeywine]], where its towers and domes are connected with arching stone bridges. Houses and stalls sit on the bridges. It lies upriver compared to the [[Starry Sept]] and [[Battle Island]].{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} The gates are flanked by a pair of tall green [[sphinx]]es with the bodies of lions, the wings of eagles and the tails of serpents. One has the face of a man, the other a woman.{{Ref|AFFC|45}} | ||
===Scribe's Hearth=== | ===Scribe's Hearth=== | ||
Just inside the gates of the Citadel lies the Scribe's Hearth. Here, the citizens of Oldtown come to hire scribes, usually acolytes, to write and read letters for them. The scribes wait in open stalls for their custom. Other stalls situated at the Scribe's Hearth include those where books are bought and sold. Others offer maps.{{Ref|AFFC|45}} | [[File:Andrew BosleySphinx At the Gates.png|350px|thumb|right|The Citadel's gates are flanked by a pair of tall green [[sphinx]]es, by Andrew Bosley © Fantasy Flight Games]] | ||
Just inside the gates of the Citadel lies the [[Scribe's Hearth]]. Here, the citizens of Oldtown come to hire scribes, usually acolytes, to write and read letters for them. The scribes wait in open stalls for their custom. Other stalls situated at the Scribe's Hearth include those where books are bought and sold. Others offer maps.{{Ref|AFFC|45}} | |||
The path divides at a statue of King [[Daeron I Targaryen]] atop a tall stone horse; the king's sword is pointed toward [[Dorne]].{{Ref|AFFC|45}} The Citadel also has a monument of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]; its plinth reads "He bound the land together, and made of [[Seven Kingdoms|seven kingdoms, one]]."{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} | The path divides at a statue of King [[Daeron I Targaryen]] atop a tall stone horse; the king's sword is pointed toward [[Dorne]].{{Ref|AFFC|45}} The Citadel also has a monument of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]; its plinth reads "He bound the land together, and made of [[Seven Kingdoms|seven kingdoms, one]]."{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} | ||
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===Seneschal's Court=== | ===Seneschal's Court=== | ||
Outside the Seneschal's Court lies the stocks where acolytes and novices are punished for minor crimes, such as petty thievery. Inside the doors is a hall with a stone floor and high, arched windows. At the far end of the hall there is a raised dais where a gatekeeper greets all those who wish to make an appointment to see the [[Seneschal]]. Behind the dais is a turnpike stair.{{Ref|AFFC|45}} | Outside the [[Seneschal's Court]] lies the stocks where acolytes and novices are punished for minor crimes, such as petty thievery. Inside the doors is a hall with a stone floor and high, arched windows. At the far end of the hall there is a raised dais where a gatekeeper greets all those who wish to make an appointment to see the [[Seneschal]]. Behind the dais is a turnpike stair.{{Ref|AFFC|45}} | ||
===Isle of Ravens=== | ===Isle of Ravens=== | ||
The [[Isle of Ravens]] is linked to the eastern bank of the Honeywine by a weathered wooden drawbridge. On the island is located the Ravenry, the oldest building of the Citadel. The walls of the Ravenry are covered in moss and vines and within its yard sits a [[weirwood]] tree on which the ravens like to perch. The [[ | The [[Isle of Ravens]] is linked to the eastern bank of the Honeywine by a weathered wooden drawbridge. On the island is located the [[Ravenry]], the oldest building of the Citadel. The walls of the Ravenry are covered in moss and vines and within its yard sits a [[weirwood]] tree on which the ravens like to perch. The [[rookery]] for [[white raven]]s is located in the west tower, and that of black ravens is found in the north tower.{{Ref|AFFC|45}} | ||
===Library and Vaults=== | ===Library and Vaults=== | ||
[[ | The vast{{ref|AFFC|5}} [[Library (Citadel)|Library]] of the Citadel is known to be a great repository of knowledge.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal under King Jaehaerys I}} | ||
The Citadel has four [[glass candle]]s, one green in color and three black. Before an acolyte says his vows, he spends the night prior in the darkness of the Citadel's vault. The acolyte can attempt to light an [[obsidian]] candle, but none have succeeded.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} The Citadel also has a stuffed [[Little Valyrian]] on display, but its fur fell out as students patted it for luck over the years.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Qohor}} | The Citadel has four [[glass candle]]s, one green in color and three black. Before an acolyte says his vows, he spends the night prior in the darkness of the Citadel's vault. The acolyte can attempt to light an [[obsidian]] candle, but none have succeeded.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} The Citadel also has a stuffed [[Little Valyrian]] on display, but its fur fell out as students patted it for luck over the years.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Qohor}} | ||
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==History== | ==History== | ||
===Origin=== | ===Origin=== | ||
In the [[Age of Heroes]] the [[Ravenry]] was supposedly | [[File:Folko Streese the Citadel.png|350px|thumb|right|The Citadel in [[Oldtown]], by Folko Streese © Fantasy Flight Games]] | ||
In the [[Age of Heroes]], the [[Ravenry]] was supposedly the stronghold of a [[pirate]] lord who picked off ships as they came down the [[Honeywine]].{{Ref|AFFC|45}} | |||
The origin of the Citadel is disputed, but [[House Hightower]] is generally considered to have played an integral role in its foundation.{{Ref|AFFC|appendix}} Most accounts on the Citadel's origins credit its foundation to Prince [[Peremore Hightower|Peremore the Twisted]], the second son of King [[Uthor of the High Tower]]. The curious Peremore invited numerous scholars, including wise men, teachers, priests, healers, singers, [[wizard]]s, [[alchemy|alchemists]], and [[sorcerer]]s, to [[Oldtown]]. After Peremore's death, his brother, King [[Urrigon Hightower|Urrigon]], granted land alongside the Honeywine to "Peremore's pets", who developed the tract into the [[maesters]]' Citadel.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} | |||
House Hightower continues to be a strong patron of learning.{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}} | |||
===Iron Throne=== | ===Iron Throne=== | ||
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==Recent Events== | ==Recent Events== | ||
===''A Storm of Swords''=== | ===''A Storm of Swords''=== | ||
The [[Conclave]] meets to choose the new [[Grand Maester]] after [[Pycelle]]'s removal from the position. Although the deliberations are supposed to be secret, [[Varys]] learns from spies at the Citadel that Archmaester [[Gormon Tyrell|Gormon]] has been selected. The [[master of whisperers]] informs the [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], who quickly reinstates Pycelle.{{Ref|ASOS|12}} | [[File:Old IntriguesMF.png|thumb|350px|Old Intrigues, by Melissa Findley © Fantasy Flight Games]] | ||
The [[Conclave]] meets to choose the new [[Grand Maester]] after [[Pycelle]]'s removal from the position. Although the deliberations are supposed to be secret, Lord [[Varys]] learns from spies at the Citadel that Archmaester [[Gormon Tyrell|Gormon]] has been selected. The [[master of whisperers]] informs the [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], who quickly reinstates Pycelle.{{Ref|ASOS|12}} | |||
Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] sends a [[raven]] to the Citadel in a plea for help to defend [[attack on Castle Black|Castle Black]] from [[wildlings]].{{Ref|ASOS|55}} | Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] sends a [[raven]] to the Citadel in a plea for help to defend [[attack on Castle Black|Castle Black]] from [[wildlings]].{{Ref|ASOS|55}} | ||
===''A Feast for Crows''=== | ===''A Feast for Crows''=== | ||
Half a year ago, Archmaester [[Walgrave]] was found weeping in the Library by acolytes after being unable to find his way back to his chambers.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} | Half a year ago, Archmaester [[Walgrave]] was found weeping in the [[Library (Citadel)|Library]] by acolytes after being unable to find his way back to his chambers.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} | ||
[[Pate (novice)|Pate]], a novice at the Citadel, is killed by an [[alchemist]] after leaving the [[Quill and Tankard]].{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} | [[Pate (novice)|Pate]], a novice at the Citadel, is killed by an [[alchemist]] after leaving the [[Quill and Tankard]].{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} | ||
[[Jon Snow]], the new [[Lord Commander | [[Jon Snow]], the new [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], sends [[Samwell Tarly]] to the Citadel to study and become a maester.{{Ref|AFFC|5}} Maester Aemon brings a chest of rare books from the vault of Castle Black to gift to the Citadel,{{Ref|AFFC|5}} but Sam gives them to [[Quhuru Mo]] to pay for passage on the ''[[Cinnamon Wind]]'' at [[Braavos]] and the aged Aemon dies en route.{{Ref|AFFC|35}} After Sam arrives at Oldtown, he is forced by the gatekeeper [[Lorcas]] to wait for the [[Seneschal]], Archmaester [[Theobald]]. [[Alleras]] brings Sam to meet Archmaester [[Marwyn]] at the [[Ravenry]]. Marwyn the Mage alleges that maesters of the Citadel helped to extinguish [[dragon]]s, and the archmaester departs the Citadel to find [[Daenerys Targaryen]].{{Ref|AFFC|45}} | ||
==Quotes== | ==Quotes== | ||
[[File:Aleksander Karcz citadel archivist.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Citadel archivist by Aleksander Karcz © Fantasy Flight Games]] | [[File:Aleksander Karcz citadel archivist.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Citadel archivist by Aleksander Karcz © Fantasy Flight Games]] | ||
{{Quote|The Citadel is the greatest repository of knowledge in the [[known world]].{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}|[[Elysar]] to [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]}} | {{Quote|The Citadel is the greatest repository of knowledge in the [[known world]].{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}|[[Elysar]] to [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]}} | ||
{{Quote|The healers of the Citadel are the best in the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|AFFC|35}}|[[Samwell Tarly]] to [[Gilly]]}} | {{Quote|The healers of the Citadel are the best in the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|AFFC|35}}|[[Samwell Tarly]] to [[Gilly]]}} | ||
Revision as of 19:41, 13 November 2024
The Citadel is a complex of buildings in Oldtown that serves as the central home to the order of the maesters. The name is also employed to refer to order of maesters as an institution, or the higher placed members.[1] At the Citadel, the residing archmaesters teach and train new students, and convene in the Conclave. The Citadel is funded by taxes from Oldtown and payments from lords for the service of maesters.[2] Maesters rigorously copy books at the Citadel.[3] Leyton Hightower, the Lord of Oldtown, includes Protector of the Citadel among his titles.[4]
Layout
The Citadel lies on the Honeywine, where its towers and domes are connected with arching stone bridges. Houses and stalls sit on the bridges. It lies upriver compared to the Starry Sept and Battle Island.[4] The gates are flanked by a pair of tall green sphinxes with the bodies of lions, the wings of eagles and the tails of serpents. One has the face of a man, the other a woman.[1]
Scribe's Hearth
Just inside the gates of the Citadel lies the Scribe's Hearth. Here, the citizens of Oldtown come to hire scribes, usually acolytes, to write and read letters for them. The scribes wait in open stalls for their custom. Other stalls situated at the Scribe's Hearth include those where books are bought and sold. Others offer maps.[1]
The path divides at a statue of King Daeron I Targaryen atop a tall stone horse; the king's sword is pointed toward Dorne.[1] The Citadel also has a monument of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen; its plinth reads "He bound the land together, and made of seven kingdoms, one."[5]
Weeping Dock
From this dock, one can get a boat for a short voyage to the Bloody Isle.[1]
Seneschal's Court
Outside the Seneschal's Court lies the stocks where acolytes and novices are punished for minor crimes, such as petty thievery. Inside the doors is a hall with a stone floor and high, arched windows. At the far end of the hall there is a raised dais where a gatekeeper greets all those who wish to make an appointment to see the Seneschal. Behind the dais is a turnpike stair.[1]
Isle of Ravens
The Isle of Ravens is linked to the eastern bank of the Honeywine by a weathered wooden drawbridge. On the island is located the Ravenry, the oldest building of the Citadel. The walls of the Ravenry are covered in moss and vines and within its yard sits a weirwood tree on which the ravens like to perch. The rookery for white ravens is located in the west tower, and that of black ravens is found in the north tower.[1]
Library and Vaults
The vast[6] Library of the Citadel is known to be a great repository of knowledge.[7]
The Citadel has four glass candles, one green in color and three black. Before an acolyte says his vows, he spends the night prior in the darkness of the Citadel's vault. The acolyte can attempt to light an obsidian candle, but none have succeeded.[4] The Citadel also has a stuffed Little Valyrian on display, but its fur fell out as students patted it for luck over the years.[8]
History
Origin
In the Age of Heroes, the Ravenry was supposedly the stronghold of a pirate lord who picked off ships as they came down the Honeywine.[1]
The origin of the Citadel is disputed, but House Hightower is generally considered to have played an integral role in its foundation.[9] Most accounts on the Citadel's origins credit its foundation to Prince Peremore the Twisted, the second son of King Uthor of the High Tower. The curious Peremore invited numerous scholars, including wise men, teachers, priests, healers, singers, wizards, alchemists, and sorcerers, to Oldtown. After Peremore's death, his brother, King Urrigon, granted land alongside the Honeywine to "Peremore's pets", who developed the tract into the maesters' Citadel.[10]
House Hightower continues to be a strong patron of learning.[9]
Iron Throne
There are reports of Aegon and Visenya Targaryen visiting the Citadel in their youth. During Aegon's Conquest, Lord Manfred Hightower submitted to the Conqueror to prevent the destruction of Oldtown by dragonflame.[11]
Queen Alysanne Targaryen visited the Citadel in 54 AC, spending three days in the Library and attending lectures.[7] Lyonel Strong, Lord of Harrenhal, studied at the Citadel in his youth, earning six links.[12] While sailing to the Sunset Sea in 133 AC, Lord Alyn Velaryon visited the Citadel and studied ancient charts and Valyrian treatises about warships and maritime tactics.[13] Ser Michael Manwoody studied at the Citadel when he was young,[14] and Prince Oberyn Martell achieved six links while studying at the Citadel in his youth.[15] Ser Gunthor Hightower has also studied at the Citadel.[1]
Bones of giants found in the north have been sent to the Citadel for study.[16] Archmaester Gyldayn's history of Aegon's Conquest was recently found in the papers of Archmaester Gerold in the vaults of the Citadel.[17]
Recent Events
A Storm of Swords
The Conclave meets to choose the new Grand Maester after Pycelle's removal from the position. Although the deliberations are supposed to be secret, Lord Varys learns from spies at the Citadel that Archmaester Gormon has been selected. The master of whisperers informs the Hand of the King, Lord Tywin Lannister, who quickly reinstates Pycelle.[18]
Maester Aemon sends a raven to the Citadel in a plea for help to defend Castle Black from wildlings.[19]
A Feast for Crows
Half a year ago, Archmaester Walgrave was found weeping in the Library by acolytes after being unable to find his way back to his chambers.[4]
Pate, a novice at the Citadel, is killed by an alchemist after leaving the Quill and Tankard.[4]
Jon Snow, the new Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, sends Samwell Tarly to the Citadel to study and become a maester.[6] Maester Aemon brings a chest of rare books from the vault of Castle Black to gift to the Citadel,[6] but Sam gives them to Quhuru Mo to pay for passage on the Cinnamon Wind at Braavos and the aged Aemon dies en route.[20] After Sam arrives at Oldtown, he is forced by the gatekeeper Lorcas to wait for the Seneschal, Archmaester Theobald. Alleras brings Sam to meet Archmaester Marwyn at the Ravenry. Marwyn the Mage alleges that maesters of the Citadel helped to extinguish dragons, and the archmaester departs the Citadel to find Daenerys Targaryen.[1]
Quotes
The Citadel is the greatest repository of knowledge in the known world.[5]
The healers of the Citadel are the best in the Seven Kingdoms.[20]
—Samwell Tarly to Gilly
The Citadel is not what it was. They will take anything these days. Dusky dogs and Dornishmen, pig boys, cripples, cretins, and now a black-clad whale. And here I thought leviathans were grey.[1]
The world the Citadel is building has no place in it for sorcery or prophecy or glass candles, much less for dragons.[1]
—Marwyn to Samwell Tarly
Behind the Scenes
The Citadel may have been named after the alma mater of Robert Jordan, the Citadel Military College of South Carolina, also known simply as the Citadel.
Before writing The Hedge Knight for the Legends anthology, George R. R. Martin considered writing a novella set at the Citadel.[21]
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 45, Samwell V.
- ↑ So Spake Martin: ConJose (San Jose, CA; August 29-September 2), August 29, 2002
- ↑ Fire & Blood, A Surfeit of Rulers.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 A Feast for Crows, Prologue.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Fire & Blood, The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Policy, Progeny, and Pain.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 5, Samwell I.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal under King Jaehaerys I.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Free Cities: Qohor.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 A Feast for Crows, Appendix.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Oldtown.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, Aegon's Conquest.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 38, Tyrion V.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, Ancient History: The Dawn Age.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Reign of the Dragons.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 12, Tyrion II.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 55, Jon VII.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 35, Samwell IV.
- ↑ George R. R. Martin (October 10, 2024). A Tourney at Ashford. Not A Blog.