Criston Cole

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 Criston Cole
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Alias Criston the Kingmaker
Title Lord Commander of the Kingsguard
Allegiances
Book A Feast for Crows (Mentioned)

Ser Criston Cole, better known as Ser Criston the Kingmaker, was Lord Commander of the Kingsguard at the time of the death of Viserys I, and convinced his son Aegon II to claim the rule of the Seven Kingdoms as his father lay dying. This led to the war between Aegon and his elder sister Rhaenyra, whom Viserys had long groomed as his successor. For this Ser Criston became known as the Kingmaker, and ultimately died because of his actions. [1]

His motives are unclear & mdash; some say that he acted from ambition as Aegon II was more controllable than his willful half sister Rhaenyra. It was rumored that Cole had an affair with Rhaenyra, before he took the white cloak, he wore her favor in a tournament in 106 AL where he unhorsed Gwayne Hightower, brother and champion to the King's new wife & Queen Alicent Hightower. [2] Their affair ended badly, adding a personal dimension to the conflict. Others allow Cole nobler motives and claim he was defending ancient Andal custom giving precedence to sons over daughters.

In any event, many of the lords of the realm were aware of Viserys' wish to have Rhaenyra succeed him as the Seven Kingdoms first Queen Regent, and threw their support behind the princess. Doubtless, many of them were also the same clique who has spent years currying favor with the presumptive future queen. Conversely, Aegon had the support of many other lords (probably Lords who wished to maintain Andal custom), and a great armed conflict known as the Dance of the Dragons engulfed the Seven Kingdoms.[1]

References and Notes