Difference between revisions of "Brandon Stark"

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(Appearance and Character: touch up)
(History)
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==History==
 
==History==
 
 
===Early Life===
 
===Early Life===
Brandon was fostered at [[Barrowton]] with Lord [[House Dustin|Dustin]], father of [[Willam Dustin]], but he spent most his time riding in the [[Rills]]. Brandon and his sister [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]] both loved to ride; Willam's widow, Lady [[Barbrey Dustin]], compares them to "a couple of centaurs". Brandon also enjoyed practicing sword-play, and loved his sword. In his youth, he took the maidenhead of Barbrey, then a [[House Ryswell|Ryswell]], who was infatuated with him. He was eventually promised to [[Catelyn Tully]] of [[Riverrun]], who was twelve at the time. Barbrey claims that Brandon never wanted to marry Catelyn and that the match was made at the behest of Lord [[Rickard Stark]].{{Ref|aDwD|41}}
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Born in {{Date|262}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}} at [[Winterfell]],{{Ref|awoiaf| Brandon Stark}} Brandon was the eldest son and heir of Lord [[Rickard Stark|Rickard]] and Lady [[Lyarra Stark]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Appendix: Stark lineage}} Brandon was fostered at [[Barrowton]] with Lord [[House Dustin|Dustin]], father of [[Willam Dustin]]. He spent most his time riding in the [[Rills]]. He took the maidenhead of [[Barbrey Dustin|Barbrey Ryswell]], who was infatuated with him.{{Ref|ADWD|41}} He was eventually betrothed to [[Catelyn Tully]] of [[Riverrun]].{{Ref|ADWD|41}}{{Ref|AGOT|6}} According to Barbrey, Brandon never wanted to marry Catelyn and that the match was made at the behest of Lord [[Rickard Stark]].{{Ref|aDwD|41}}
  
 
Brandon was present at the [[tourney at Harrenhal]] in {{Date|281}}. After Brandon's sister Lyanna found the [[crannogmen|crannogman]] [[Howland Reed]] being bullied by three young squires, she took the injured man back to a tent, binding his wounds, and introduced the guest to her brothers: Eddard ("the quiet wolf"), and Benjen ("the young pup"), and finally to Brandon ("the wild wolf"), the leader of the pack. Lyanna persuaded Reed to attend the feast marking the start of the tournament; he consented and ate at the same table as the Starks.
 
Brandon was present at the [[tourney at Harrenhal]] in {{Date|281}}. After Brandon's sister Lyanna found the [[crannogmen|crannogman]] [[Howland Reed]] being bullied by three young squires, she took the injured man back to a tent, binding his wounds, and introduced the guest to her brothers: Eddard ("the quiet wolf"), and Benjen ("the young pup"), and finally to Brandon ("the wild wolf"), the leader of the pack. Lyanna persuaded Reed to attend the feast marking the start of the tournament; he consented and ate at the same table as the Starks.

Revision as of 10:43, 15 January 2017

House Stark.svg
Brandon Stark
House Stark.svg
Brandon stark the wild wolf by mike hallstein-dadi0nx.jpeg
Brandon Stark - by Mike Hallstein

Alias The Wild Wolf
Allegiance House Stark
Culture Northmen
Born 262 AC[1]
Winterfell
Died 282 AC
King's Landing
Books

Brandon Stark was the oldest son of Lord Rickard Stark and Lady Lyarra Stark and the heir to Winterfell prior to Robert's Rebellion. His younger siblings were Eddard, Lyanna, and Benjen.

Appearance and Character

See also: Images of Brandon Stark

Brandon was in appearance and character very different from Eddard.[2] He had grey eyes,[3], and was taller and more handsome than his younger brother.[2] Brandon was absolutely not shy about taking what he wanted.[4] He was rather hot-blooded,[5][2] a trait their father, Lord Rickard, described as originating from "the wolf blood". Brandon shared this trait with his sister, Lyanna, and Eddard believes this led them both to early deaths.[5] Brandon was the best swordsman among his siblings, and an excellent jouster.[6] He love to hone his sword, preferring it to be as sharp as possible.[4] He also loved to ride, and has been described by Barbrey Dustin as a centaur in that regard.[4]

History

Early Life

Born in 262 AC[7] at Winterfell,[8] Brandon was the eldest son and heir of Lord Rickard and Lady Lyarra Stark.[9] Brandon was fostered at Barrowton with Lord Dustin, father of Willam Dustin. He spent most his time riding in the Rills. He took the maidenhead of Barbrey Ryswell, who was infatuated with him.[4] He was eventually betrothed to Catelyn Tully of Riverrun.[4][10] According to Barbrey, Brandon never wanted to marry Catelyn and that the match was made at the behest of Lord Rickard Stark.[4]

Brandon was present at the tourney at Harrenhal in 281 AC. After Brandon's sister Lyanna found the crannogman Howland Reed being bullied by three young squires, she took the injured man back to a tent, binding his wounds, and introduced the guest to her brothers: Eddard ("the quiet wolf"), and Benjen ("the young pup"), and finally to Brandon ("the wild wolf"), the leader of the pack. Lyanna persuaded Reed to attend the feast marking the start of the tournament; he consented and ate at the same table as the Starks. During the feast, Brandon asked Ashara Dayne to dance with his younger brother Eddard (who was too shy to ask her himself).[11] Brandon later entered the lists, but was unhorsed by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen.[12][13]

When the date for Catelyn and Brandon's wedding was announced, Petyr Baelish, a ward of Catelyn's father, challenged Brandon to a duel for her hand. They fought in the lower bailey at Riverrun. Brandon easily won their duel, but did not kill Petyr, in concession to Catelyn's pleas. He then departed Riverrun, promising to return soon.[14][3][15]

Death and burial

Deaths of Brandon and Rickard Stark

From Riverrun, Brandon left to join his father's wedding party, coming down from the north. They were on their way again back to Riverrun, so Brandon could wed Catelyn, when word reached Brandon of Lyanna's supposed abduction by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen.[16] Brandon, along with his squire Ethan Glover, Kyle Royce, Elbert Arryn, and Jeffory Mallister, rode to King's Landing immediately, while Lord Hoster Tully became incensed, thinking it a rash action. Upon entering the Red Keep, Brandon shouted for Rhaegar to "come out and die". Rhaegar was not there to answer the challenge; they were arrested by King Aerys II Targaryen and charged with plotting Rhaegar's murder. Their fathers were called to court to answer the charges. Brandon was forced to watch as his father was cooked alive in his own armor. He was bound with a leather cord around his neck and a longsword just out of reach, and he strangled himself trying to get to the sword to save his father. He was twenty years old at the time.[17][18]

Brandon was buried in the crypts beneath Winterfell. Bran Stark notes that only the kings and lords of Winterfell are supposed to have statues in their likeness, not their family members, but Eddard wished to honor his beloved siblings and had them made anyway.

Brandon Stark's final moments

Eddard Stark names his second true born son Brandon (affectionately known as "Bran") in his elder brother's memory.

Recent Events

A Clash of Kings

Theon Greyjoy has a nightmare involving a feast of the dead at Winterfell. Many of the dead men and women attending are people that Theon knew personally or were slain by his own hand and/or command. Yet he also notices faces that he had never known in life. Among them is Brandon, standing with his father and sister.[19]

When Bran, Rickon, Osha, Hodor and the Reeds escape the crypts after the Sack of Winterfell, Bran takes with him the sword of Brandon's statue, from the crypts. As he does so, he notes the relevance of using the steel of his namesake.[20]

When Catelyn Stark visits his cell, Ser Jaime Lannister tells her the tale of Brandon's death, when he notices she doesn't know the details. Catelyn calls the story so hideous, that it must be true.[18]

A Dance with Dragons

Reek and Lady Barbrey Dustin enter the crypts of Winterfell, and shortly discuss Brandon. Reek notices that Brandon's sword is missing, prompting Dustin to state that Brandon would not be happy.[4]

Quotes

A bloody sword is a beautiful thing.[4]

- Brandon to Barbrey Ryswell

Quotes about Brandon

Brandon. Yes. Brandon would know what to do. He always did. It was all meant for Brandon. You, Winterfell, everything. He was born to be a King's Hand and father to queens. I never asked for this cup to pass to me.[10]

Eddard Stark to Catelyn Stark


The gallant fool.[18]

Hoster Tully, upon learning of Brandon's plans to ride south


Brandon was different from his brother, wasn't he? He had blood in his veins instead of cold water. More like me.[18]

Jaime Lannister to Catelyn Tully


Brandon was never shy about taking what he wanted. I am old now, a dried-up thing, too long a widow, but I still remember the look of my maiden’s blood on his cock the night he claimed me. I think Brandon liked the sight as well. A bloody sword is a beautiful thing, yes. It hurt, but it was a sweet pain.[4]

Barbrey Dustin to Theon Greyjoy

Family

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beron
 
Lorra
Royce
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Donnor
 
Lyanne
Glover
 
 
Willam
 
Melantha
Blackwood
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Artos
 
Lysara
Karstark
 
Berena
 
Alysanne
 
Errold
 
Rodrik
 
Arya
Flint
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brandon
 
Edwyle
 
Marna
Locke
 
Jocelyn
 
Benedict
Royce
 
Brandon
 
Benjen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Harrold
Rogers
 
Branda
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issue
 
 
 
Issue
 
Issue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rickard
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lyarra
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brandon
 
Catelyn
Tully
 
Eddard
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown
woman
 
Lyanna
 
Benjen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jeyne
Westerling
 
Robb
 
Sansa
 
Tyrion
Lannister
 
Arya
 
Brandon
 
Rickon
 
Jon
Snow
 
 
 


References and Notes