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Brandon Stark was the original heir to Winterfell before [[Roberts Rebellion]]. After he learned of how [[Rhaegar]] abducted his sister, He and his father went to King Aerys II in Kings Landing to protest. Aerys responded by torturing and killing them, spurring his eventual overthrow.
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{{See homonyms | Brandon Stark (disambiguation)}}
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{{Infobox character
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| Character_name = [[File:House_Stark.svg|50px|left]] Brandon Stark [[File:House_Stark.svg|50px|right]]
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| image          = [[File:Brandon stark the wild wolf by mike hallstein-dadi0nx.jpeg|350px]]
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| image_caption  = Brandon Stark - by Mike Hallstein
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| Alias          = The Wild Wolf
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| Title          =
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| Allegiance    = [[House Stark]]
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| Race          =
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| Culture        = [[Northmen]]
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| Spouse        =
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| Issue = [[Bastards]]<ref group="N" name="Issue">The [[So Spake Martin]]: [https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Asshai.com_Interview_in_Barcelona/ Asshai.com Interview in Barcelona] reports that Brandon didn't have any trueborn children but did have bastard children.</ref>
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| Place_of_Birth = [[Winterfell]]{{Ref|AWOIAF| Brandon Stark}}
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| Date_of_Birth  = {{Date|262}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}}
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| Place_of_Death = [[King's Landing]]
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| Date_of_Death  = {{Date|282}}
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| Books          = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
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| Coat-of-arms  =
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| Played_by      =
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| TV_series      =
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}}
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'''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 Stark|Eddard]], [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]], and [[Benjen Stark|Benjen]].
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==Appearance and Character==
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:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Brandon Stark|Images of Brandon Stark]]''
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Brandon was in appearance and character very different from Eddard.{{Ref|aSoS|45}} He had grey eyes,{{Ref|AGOT|40}}, and was tall and handsome.{{Ref|ASOS|45}}{{Ref|AWOIAF| Brandon Stark}} Brandon was absolutely not shy about taking what he wanted.{{Ref|ADWD|41}} He was rather hot-blooded,{{Ref|AGOT|22}}{{Ref|ASOS|45}} 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.{{Ref|aGoT|22}} Brandon was the best swordsman among his siblings, and an excellent jouster.{{Ref|AWOIAF| Brandon Stark}}<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Benjen_Stark About Benjen Stark (December 15, 2000)]</ref> He loved to hone his sword, preferring it to be as sharp as possible.{{Ref|ADWD|41}} He also loved to ride, and has been described by [[Barbrey Dustin]] as a centaur in that regard.{{Ref|ADWD|41}}
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 +
==History==
 +
===Early Life===
 +
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}} who considered him to be more handsome than his younger brother [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]].{{ref|asos|45}} To Barbrey, Brandon swore he did not want to marry Catelyn, but Lord [[Rickard Stark|Rickard's]] ambitions did not allow him to marry the daughter of a northern vassal.{{Ref|aDwD|41}}
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In {{Date|281}}, Brandon was present at the [[tourney at Harrenhal]] in {{Date|281}}. There, he was introduced to the [[crannogmen|crannogman]] [[Howland Reed]] by his sister, [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]]. During the opening feast of the tourney, Brandon asked [[Ashara Dayne]] to dance with Eddard, who was too shy to ask her himself.{{ref|asos|24}} Brandon later entered the lists, but was unhorsed by Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]].{{Ref|aGoT|58}}{{ref|asos|24}} After Prince Rhaegar won the tournament, he crowned Brandon's sister Lyanna as his [[queen of love and beauty]], passing over his own wife, Princess [[Elia Martell]].{{Ref|AGOT|58}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring}} Brandon had to be restrained from confronting Rhaegar, as he took Rhaegar's action as a slight upon Lyanna's honor, since Lyanna had been betrothed to Lord [[Robert Baratheon]] for a long time.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring}}
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In {{Date|282}},<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Events#Riverlands|Petyr Baelish's duel against Brandon Stark]]''</ref> Brandon was present at [[Riverrun]] when the date for his wedding to Catelyn was announced.{{Ref|awoiaf| Petyr Baelish}} [[Petyr Baelish]], the ward of Catelyn's father, Lord [[Hoster Tully]], challenged Brandon to a duel for her hand.{{Ref|AGOT|18}} They fought in the lower bailey at Riverrun. Catelyn begged him to spare Petyr's life, and Brandon promised her to do so. Brandon armored himself for battle, aided by Catelyn's young brother, [[Edmure Tully]], who served as Brandon's [[squire]]. When Brandon saw that Petyr wore only a helm and a breastplate, and mail, he took off most of his own armor. Brandon was no match for the much younger Petyr. He offered the boy several chances to yield, but when Petyr kept refusing, Brandon ended the duel by injuring Petyr severely.{{Ref|AGOT|40}} Afterwards he departed Riverrun, promising Catelyn to return soon so they could wed.{{Ref|AGOT|63}}
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===Death and legacy===
 +
[[File:Brandon Rickard Deaths.png|400px|thumb|Deaths of Brandon and [[Rickard Stark]]]]
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From [[Riverrun]], Brandon left to join his [[Rickard Stark|father's]] wedding party, coming down from the [[north]].{{Ref|AWOIAF| Catelyn Tully}} They were on their way again back to Riverrun for the wedding when word reached Brandon of Lyanna's supposed abduction by Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]].{{Ref|ACOK|55}} Brandon, along with his squire [[Ethan Glover]], [[Kyle Royce]], [[Elbert Arryn]], and [[Jeffory Mallister]], rode to [[King's Landing]] immediately.{{Ref|ACOK|55}} Upon entering the [[Red Keep]], Brandon shouted for Rhaegar to "come out and die". Rhaegar was not present, however, and Brandon and his companions were arrested by King [[Aerys II Targaryen]] and charged with plotting Rhaegar's murder. Their fathers were called to court to answer the charges.{{Ref|ACOK|55}}{{Ref|AGOT|53}} Brandon was placed in a strangle device from [[Tyrosh]], with a longsword placed just out of reach. He was forced to watch as his father was burned alive in his own armor and strangled himself while attempting to get to the sword so he could save his father. He was twenty years old at the time.{{Ref|aGoT|4}}{{Ref|aCoK|55}}
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Brandon was buried in the [[crypt of Winterfell|crypts beneath Winterfell]]. Though only the [[King of Winter|kings]] and lords of [[Winterfell]] normally have statues in their likeness placed beside their tombs, both Brandon and his sister Lyanna were given a statue by their brother [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]], as he had loved them very much.{{Ref|AGOT|66}}
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[[File:Brandon Stark final moments.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Brandon Stark's final moments]]
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[[Eddard Stark]] named his second true born son [[Bran Stark|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.{{ref|acok|56}}
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When Bran, [[Rickon Stark|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.{{Ref|acok|69}}
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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.{{Ref|ACOK|55}}
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===''A Dance with Dragons''===
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[[Theon Greyjoy|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.{{ref|adwd|41}}
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==Quotes==
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{{Quote|A bloody sword is a beautiful thing.{{Ref|aDwD|41}}|Brandon to [[Barbrey Dustin|Barbrey Ryswell]]}}
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==Quotes about Brandon==
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{{Quote|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 [[Hand of the King|King's Hand]] and father to queens. I never asked for this cup to pass to me.{{ref|agot|6}}|[[Eddard Stark]] to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}
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{{Quote|The gallant fool.{{ref|acok|55}}|[[Hoster Tully]], upon learning of Brandon's plans to ride south}}
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{{Quote|Brandon was different from [[Eddard Stark|his brother]], wasn't he? He had blood in his veins instead of cold water. More like me.{{ref|acok|55}}|[[Jaime Lannister]] to [[Catelyn Tully]]}}
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{{Quote|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.{{Ref|aDwD|41}}|[[Barbrey Dustin]] to [[Theon Greyjoy]]}}
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==Family==
 +
{{Stark_tree}}
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 +
==Notes==
 +
{{Notes}}
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
{{references}}
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[[Category:House Stark]]
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[[Category:Characters from the North|Stark, Brandon]]
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[[Category:Nobles|Stark, Brandon]]
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[[Category:Statues|Stark, Brandon]]
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[[Category:Wards|Stark, Brandon]]
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[[Category:Executions for treason|Stark, Brandon]]
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[[Category:Characters killed by Aerys II Targaryen|Stark, Brandon]]
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[[Category:Characters killed by Rossart|Stark, Brandon]]
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[[fa:برندون استارک]]
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[[fr:Brandon Stark]]
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[[ru:Брандон Старк (брат Неда Старка)]]
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[[zh:&#24067;&#20848;&#30331;&#183;&#21490;&#22612;&#20811;]]

Revision as of 03:17, 15 June 2019

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[2]
Died 282 AC
King's Landing
Issue Bastards[N 1]
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.[3] He had grey eyes,[4], and was tall and handsome.[3][2] Brandon was absolutely not shy about taking what he wanted.[5] He was rather hot-blooded,[6][3] 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.[6] Brandon was the best swordsman among his siblings, and an excellent jouster.[2][7] He loved to hone his sword, preferring it to be as sharp as possible.[5] He also loved to ride, and has been described by Barbrey Dustin as a centaur in that regard.[5]

History

Early Life

Born in 262 AC[1] at Winterfell,[2] Brandon was the eldest son and heir of Lord Rickard and Lady Lyarra Stark.[8] 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.[5] He was eventually betrothed to Catelyn Tully of Riverrun,[5][9] who considered him to be more handsome than his younger brother Eddard.[3] To Barbrey, Brandon swore he did not want to marry Catelyn, but Lord Rickard's ambitions did not allow him to marry the daughter of a northern vassal.[5]

In 281 AC, Brandon was present at the tourney at Harrenhal in 281 AC. There, he was introduced to the crannogman Howland Reed by his sister, Lyanna. During the opening feast of the tourney, Brandon asked Ashara Dayne to dance with Eddard, who was too shy to ask her himself.[10] Brandon later entered the lists, but was unhorsed by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen.[11][10] After Prince Rhaegar won the tournament, he crowned Brandon's sister Lyanna as his queen of love and beauty, passing over his own wife, Princess Elia Martell.[11][12] Brandon had to be restrained from confronting Rhaegar, as he took Rhaegar's action as a slight upon Lyanna's honor, since Lyanna had been betrothed to Lord Robert Baratheon for a long time.[12]

In 282 AC,[13] Brandon was present at Riverrun when the date for his wedding to Catelyn was announced.[14] Petyr Baelish, the ward of Catelyn's father, Lord Hoster Tully, challenged Brandon to a duel for her hand.[15] They fought in the lower bailey at Riverrun. Catelyn begged him to spare Petyr's life, and Brandon promised her to do so. Brandon armored himself for battle, aided by Catelyn's young brother, Edmure Tully, who served as Brandon's squire. When Brandon saw that Petyr wore only a helm and a breastplate, and mail, he took off most of his own armor. Brandon was no match for the much younger Petyr. He offered the boy several chances to yield, but when Petyr kept refusing, Brandon ended the duel by injuring Petyr severely.[4] Afterwards he departed Riverrun, promising Catelyn to return soon so they could wed.[16]

Death and legacy

Deaths of Brandon and Rickard Stark

From Riverrun, Brandon left to join his father's wedding party, coming down from the north.[17] They were on their way again back to Riverrun for the wedding when word reached Brandon of Lyanna's supposed abduction by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen.[18] Brandon, along with his squire Ethan Glover, Kyle Royce, Elbert Arryn, and Jeffory Mallister, rode to King's Landing immediately.[18] Upon entering the Red Keep, Brandon shouted for Rhaegar to "come out and die". Rhaegar was not present, however, and Brandon and his companions were arrested by King Aerys II Targaryen and charged with plotting Rhaegar's murder. Their fathers were called to court to answer the charges.[18][19] Brandon was placed in a strangle device from Tyrosh, with a longsword placed just out of reach. He was forced to watch as his father was burned alive in his own armor and strangled himself while attempting to get to the sword so he could save his father. He was twenty years old at the time.[20][18]

Brandon was buried in the crypts beneath Winterfell. Though only the kings and lords of Winterfell normally have statues in their likeness placed beside their tombs, both Brandon and his sister Lyanna were given a statue by their brother Eddard, as he had loved them very much.[21]

Brandon Stark's final moments

Eddard Stark named 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.[22]

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.[23]

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.[5]

Quotes

A bloody sword is a beautiful thing.[5]

—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.[9]

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]

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.[5]

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
 
 
 


Notes

  1. The So Spake Martin: Asshai.com Interview in Barcelona reports that Brandon didn't have any trueborn children but did have bastard children.

References