Difference between revisions of "Daemon I Blackfyre"

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{{Infobox character
 
{{Infobox character
| Character_name = [[file:House_Blackfyre_crest.png|50px|left]] '''Daemon Blackfyre''' [[file:House_Blackfyre_crest.png|50px|right]]
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| Character_name = [[File:House Blackfyre.svg|50px|left]] '''Daemon Blackfyre''' [[File:House Blackfyre.svg|50px|right]]
 
| image          = [[Image:Daemon Blackfyre.jpg|300px]]
 
| image          = [[Image:Daemon Blackfyre.jpg|300px]]
| image_caption = Daemon by by [http://en.amokanet.ru/gallery/martin/ Amok©]
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| image_caption = Daemon by [http://en.amokanet.ru/gallery/martin/ Amok©]
 
| Alias          = Daemon Waters<br>The Black Dragon<br>The King Who Bore [[Blackfyre|the Sword]]<br>The Pretender
 
| Alias          = Daemon Waters<br>The Black Dragon<br>The King Who Bore [[Blackfyre|the Sword]]<br>The Pretender
| Title          = [[knight|Ser]]<br>King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men (claimant)<br>Lord of the Seven Kingdoms (claimant)<br>Protector of the Ream (claimant)
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| Title          = [[knight|Ser]]<br>[[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]] (claimant)<br>[[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]] (claimant)<br>[[Protector of the Realm]] (claimant) <br> [[Prince]]{{Ref|tss}}
 
| Allegiance    = [[House Blackfyre]]
 
| Allegiance    = [[House Blackfyre]]
| Race          =  
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| Race          = [[Valyria]]n
| Culture        = [[Valyrian Freehold|Valyrian]]
+
| Culture        = [[Crownlands]]
| Spouse           = [[Rohanne of Tyrosh]]
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| Spouse         = [[Rohanne of Tyrosh]]
| Place_of_Birth = [[King's Landing]]
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| Issue          = [[Aegon Blackfyre]]<br>[[Aemon Blackfyre]]<br>[[Daemon II Blackfyre]]<br>[[Haegon I Blackfyre]]<br>[[Aenys Blackfyre]]<br>[[Calla Blackfyre]]<br>2 sons<br>Daughter(s)
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| Place_of_Birth = [[King's Landing]]{{Ref|awoiaf| Daemon Blackfyre}}
 
| Date_of_Birth  = {{Date|170}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
 
| Date_of_Birth  = {{Date|170}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
 
| Place_of_Death = [[Battle of the Redgrass Field|Redgrass Field]]  
 
| Place_of_Death = [[Battle of the Redgrass Field|Redgrass Field]]  
 
| Date_of_Death  = {{Date|196}}
 
| Date_of_Death  = {{Date|196}}
| Books          = ''[[The World of Ice and Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Sworn Sword]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Mystery Knight]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
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| Books          = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Sworn Sword]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Mystery Knight]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms  = a black three headed-dragon on red
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| coat-of-arms  = a black three headed-dragon on red<br>''(Gules, a dragon thrice-headed sable)''
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{See homonyms | Daemon Blackfyre}}
 
{{See homonyms | Daemon Blackfyre}}
'''Daemon I Blackfyre''', born '''Daemon Waters''', was the [[bastardy|bastard]] son of Princess [[Daena Targaryen]] and King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]].<ref name=GreatBastards>So Spake Martin: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Great_Bastards/ The Great Bastards] (December 26, 2005)</ref> Daemon swayed half the kingdom to support his claim to the [[Iron Throne]] against King [[Daeron II Targaryen]] in a war called the [[Blackfyre Rebellion]]. He was the first and greatest of the [[Blackfyre Pretenders]]. As a bastard, Daemon bore the arms of [[House Targaryen]] with the colours reversed: a black three-headed dragon on a red field. Thus he became known as '''the Black Dragon'''.
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'''Daemon I Blackfyre''', born '''Daemon Waters''', was the [[bastardy|bastard]] son of Princess [[Daena Targaryen]] and King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]].<ref name=GreatBastards>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Great_Bastards/ The Great Bastards] (December 26, 2005)</ref> Daemon founded [[House Blackfyre]], named after the [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] [[Valyrian steel]] [[Blackfyre|sword]]. He fought against his trueborn half-brother, King [[Daeron II Targaryen]], for the [[Iron Throne]] in the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]].
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Daemon was the first and greatest of the five [[Blackfyre Pretenders]]. As a bastard of [[House Targaryen]] Daemon bore the arms of House Targaryen with the colors reversed: a black three-headed [[dragon]] on a red field. Thus he became known as '''the Black Dragon'''.
  
 
==Appearance and Character==
 
==Appearance and Character==
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Daemon I Blackfyre|Images of Daemon Blackfyre]]''
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{{See also|:Category:Images of Daemon I Blackfyre|l1=Images of Daemon Blackfyre}}
  
Daemon was tall and powerful, with broad shoulders, muscular arms, and a flat stomach. Targaryen on both sides, Daemon had all the hallmarks of his house. He had strong Targaryen features, with deep [[purple eyes]] and silver-gold hair which he wore long, flowing down to his shoulders in a silvery-gold mane.  He always went clean-shaven, with neither beard nor moustache.  Almost inhumanly beautiful, Daemon looked every inch the warrior, and many thought that he strongly resembled portraits of [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]].<ref name=GreatBastards/>
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Daemon was tall and powerful, with broad shoulders, muscular arms, and a flat stomach. Targaryen on both sides, Daemon had all the hallmarks of his house. He had strong Targaryen features, with deep [[purple eyes]] and silver-gold hair which he wore long, flowing down to his shoulders in a silvery-gold mane.  He always went clean-shaven, with neither beard nor mustache.  Almost inhumanly beautiful, Daemon looked every inch the warrior, and many thought that he strongly resembled portraits of [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]].<ref name=GreatBastards/>
  
His armour was ornate and costly, all black and red plate, and his warhelm was distinctive, with batlike steel "dragon wings" on the sides.
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His armor was ornate and costly, all black and red plate, and his warhelm was distinctive, with batlike steel "dragon wings" on the sides.
  
Daemon matured into a man of considerable charm and strength, mastering all weapons of the battlefield, but with the sword [[Blackfyre]] in hand he was said to fight like [[the Warrior]] himself. He won friends easily and women were drawn to him.<ref name=GreatBastards/>
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Daemon matured into a man of considerable charm and strength, mastering all weapons of the battlefield, but with the sword [[Blackfyre]] in hand he was said to fight like [[Warrior (the Seven)|the Warrior]] himself. He won friends easily and women were drawn to him.<ref name=GreatBastards/>
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===Early life===
 
===Early life===
Daemon was the [[bastard]] son of [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] and his first cousin [[Daena Targaryen|Daena the Defiant]], the infamous daughter of [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. Daena named him after her [[Daemon Targaryen|grandfather]]. He was conceived during Daena's imprisonment in the [[Maidenvault]]. Daemon was raised in the [[Red Keep]] and was taught arms by Ser [[Quentyn Ball]], the master-at-arms at the Red Keep.  
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In late {{Date|170}}<ref group="N">After Daemon's birth, King [[Baelor I Targaryen]] began a forty-day fast. At the forty-first day he collapsed. As Daemon's year of birth is {{Date|170}} and the year of Baelor's death is {{Date|171}}, Daemon's birth took place late in the year 170 AC, while Baelor died early the following year.</ref> Princess [[Daena Targaryen]] gave birth to Daemon{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} in [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|awoiaf| Daemon Blackfyre}} He was [[named after|named for]] Daena's grandfather, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], "for the Prince Daemon who had been the wonder and the terror of his age".{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} Although Daena refused to name Daemon's father, many people suspected the involvement of Prince [[Aegon IV Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]].{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}
  
The identity of his father was kept secret until his twelfth birthday, when Daemon distinguished himself during a [[tourney]] melee by besting a score of other squires. Afterwards, his father, King Aegon IV, acknowledged Daemon as his bastard son and presented him with [[Blackfyre]], the [[Valyrian steel]] sword of [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] kings.
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Daemon was raised in the [[Red Keep]] and was taught arms by Ser [[Quentyn Ball]], the master-at-arms at the Red Keep.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} In {{Date|182}}, when he was twelve years old, Daemon participated in a squire's tourney, which he won. King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] personally [[knight]]ed Daemon and publicly bestowed the [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Blackfyre]] on him,{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} finally acknowledging him as his son.<ref name=greatbastards>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Great_Bastards/ The Great Bastards (December 26, 2005)]</ref> There were some who felt that the sword symbolized the monarchy<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/SF_Targaryens_Valyria_Sansa_Martells_and_More SF, Targaryens, Valyria, Sansa, Martells, and More (June 26, 2001)]</ref> as it had been the sword of King [[Aegon I Targaryen]], the Conqueror, and had been passed on from king to king ever since. Aegon's public gift of the sword would eventually start the first talk that Daemon should be king.<ref name=targaryenhistory>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Targaryen_History Targaryen History (April 20, 2008)]</ref> Following the acquisition of the sword, Daemon took the name "Blackfyre" for himself.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
  
He took the name of Blackfyre for his house and displayed the inverted Targaryen arms, a black three-headed [[dragon]] on red.
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King Aegon IV negotiated a betrothal for Daemon to [[Rohanne of Tyrosh]].{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} Daemon's supporters would later claim that Daemon had desired to marry his younger half-sister, [[Daenerys Targaryen (daughter of Aegon IV)|Daenerys]], instead and that King Aegon, who desired the marriage alliance to [[Tyrosh]], had promised Daemon that he could have [[polygamy|more than one wife]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} In {{Date|184}}, while Aegon IV was on his deathbed, he legitimized all of his bastards, including Daemon.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} Daemon's trueborn half-brother, [[Daeron II Targaryen]], ascended the throne following Aegon's death. He refused to allow Daemon more than one wife, paid the dowry his late father had promised to the [[Archon]] of [[Tyrosh]], and saw Daemon wed to Rohanne in early {{Date|184}}, granting him a tract of land near the [[Blackwater Rush|Blackwater]] on his wedding day, with the right to raise a castle.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} Daemon and Rohanne had a fertile marriage. Their twin sons, [[Aegon Blackfyre|Aegon]] and [[Aemon Blackfyre|Aemon]], were born later that same year.<ref>''See the calculations for [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Aegon Blackyre|Aegon]] and [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Aemon Blackyre|Aemon Blackfyre]]''</ref> They were followed by five more sons, and at least two daughters.{{Ref|tss}}
  
===Blackfyre Rebellion===
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In {{Date|187}}, Daemon participated in Princess Daenerys's wedding tourney. He was defeated in the final tilt by Prince [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor Targaryen]], Daeron II's eldest son.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}
:{{See also|Blackfyre Pretenders|Blackfyre Rebellion}}
 
  
Though King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] legitimized all his bastards on his deathbed, Daemon did not rebel till twelve years after his father's death.
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Meanwhile, the growing influence of the [[Dorne|Dornish]] at court, the Dornish appearance of Daeron II's heir, the sudden change of Dornish enemies to Dornish allies, Daeron's rumored illegitimacy (started by King Aegon IV durign his reign), and Aegon IV's previous public gift of [[Blackfyre]], the "sword of kings", to Daemon caused several nobles and knights to start mistrusting Daeron II and Baelor, while seeing promise in Daemon. Men began to approach Daemon, but it took them many years to convince Daemon to declare his claim. [[Maester]] [[Yandel]] considers it likely that it had been [[Aegor Rivers]], Daemon's younger half-brother, who had managed to convince Daemon in the end.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} According to King [[Maekar I Targaryen]], it had been both Aegor Rivers and Ser [[Quentyn Ball]], the master-at-arms at the [[Red Keep]], who had played the largest role in convincing Daemon.{{Ref|TMK}} Aegor pressed him to proclaim his claim for the [[Iron Throne]], and after Daemon agreed to a betrothal between his eldest daughter, [[Calla Blackfyre|Calla]], and Aegor, his efforts increased. Many lords and knights joined in.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} Besides the influences of his councillors, Daemon had come to resent having the status of [[bastardy|bastard]] and what it represented.<ref name=santafe>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Month/2004/05/ Private Meeting (Santa Fe, NM) (May 4, 2004)]</ref>
  
Upon the death of King Aegon, Daeron agreed to pay the dowry the late King Aegon had promised the [[Archon]] of Tyrosh so his [[Rohanne of Tyrosh|daughter]] could wed Daemon, Daemon it was said did not want this marriage but eventually decided to honor his late fathers wishes. On his wedding day, Daeron granted him a tract of land for him to build a castle on as a wedding gift. Daemon and his wife eventually had seven sons together. {{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}  
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Following the Blackfyre defeat in the first rebellion (which included the death of Daemon himself and his eldest two children, [[Aegon Blackfyre|Aegon]] and [[Aemon Blackfyre|Aemon]]), Daemon's bastard half-brother, Ser [[Aegor Rivers]], fled to [[Tyrosh]] with Daemon's remaining children and widow. From there, Daemon's descendants continued to plot. Four more rebellions would follow, until {{Date|260}}, when [[Maelys I Blackfyre]], the last male of [[House Blackfyre]], was slain on the [[Stepstones]] during the [[War of the Ninepenny Kings]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TMK}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys II}}
  
There are some who say that it was the wedding of Princess [[Daenerys Targaryen (daughter of Aegon IV)|Daenerys]] to the [[Dornish]] Prince [[Maron Martell]], that led to the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]]. It was said Daemon loved her and she him and that the rebellion happened because she was denied to him by Daeron.{{Ref|aDwD|67}}{{Ref|TSS}} Daemon was present at Daenerys' wedding and took part in the tourney held in celebration. During this tourney, he was unhorsed in the final tilt by Prince [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor]], who would be named "Breakspear" from that day forth. While Daenerys' wedding took place in {{Date|187}}, Daemon wouldn't rebel for another eight years.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}
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===First Blackfyre Rebellion===
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:{{See also|Blackfyre Pretenders|First Blackfyre Rebellion}}
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[[File:Daemon I Blackfyre The Black Dragon by Mike Hallstein.jpg|300px|thumb|Daemon I Blackfyre, the Black Dragon, by Mike Hallstein]]
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There was no final insult that resulted in the declaration of Daemon's claim.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} There are some who say that it was the wedding of Princess [[Daenerys Targaryen (daughter of Aegon IV)|Daenerys]] to the [[Dornish]] [[Prince of Dorne|Prince]] [[Maron Martell]] that led to the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]]. It was said that Daemon rebelled because she had been denied to him by Daeron.{{Ref|aDwD|67}}{{Ref|TSS}} However, while Daenerys' wedding took place in {{Date|187}}, Daemon rebelled only eight years.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} In {{Date|196}}, Daemon began his rebellion, which would last nigh on a year. For his sigil, Daemon took the Targaryen sigil with the colors reversed, a black dragon on red, giving him the nickname "the Black Dragon" (with Daeron being referred as the Red Dragon).{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TMK}}  
  
Leading to his revolt were his growing resentment at being a [[bastard]] and surrounding himself with councilors who urged him to make his claim (mainly his half-brother, [[Aegor Rivers]] and his friend [[Quentyn Ball|Quentyn "Fireball" Ball]]).<ref>So Spake Martin: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Month/2004/05/ Private Meeting (Santa Fe, NM)] (May 4, 2004)</ref> They fed rumors that his half-brother Daeron II was not the son of Aegon IV, but of [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Viserys II)|Aemon Targaryen]]; Daemon, as a [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] on both sides and a legitimized heir to the throne, was a logical choice to replace the academic king. Daemon, they said, was a better man and a better king.
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Daemon's decision to claim the throne had been made rashly, and word soon reached Daeron's court that Daemon meant to declare within a month. It has been suggested by [[Archmaester]] [[Merion]] that [[Brynden Rivers]], another one of Aegon IV's bastard sons, was involved in the news reaching Daeron.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} The [[Kingsguard]] was sent to arrest Daemon, but, with the aid of the master-at-arms of the [[Red Keep]], Daemon managed to escape imprisonment.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}{{ref|TMK}} Daemon's allies used this attempted arrest as a cause for war, claiming that Daeron had acted without reason.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}
  
Daemon claimed the [[Iron Throne]] as Aegon IV's true heir, and led a rebellion against King Daeron.  
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Besides Aegor Rivers and Quentyn Ball, Daemon's supporters, according to Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]] of [[Standfast]], included [[Robb Reyne]], [[Gareth the Grey]], Ser [[Aubrey Ambrose]], Lord [[Gormon Peake]], Black [[Byren Flowers]], and [[Redtusk]].{{Ref|tss}} Daemon's rebellion divided the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{ref|TSS}} Half the realm declared for him, though not all were eager to pledge their full support. Notably, Houses [[House Hightower|Hightower]], [[House Butterwell|Butterwell]], [[House Oakheart|Oakheart]] and [[House Tarbeck|Tarbeck]] gave support to both Daemon and Daeron, while others (e.g., [[Manfred Lothston]]) were willing to betray Daemon for Daeron. The thief [[Quickfinger]] attempted to steal [[dragon eggs]] for Daemon, but was caught.{{Ref|TSS}}
  
Daemon attracted many followers with his martial skill and his possession of [[Blackfyre]]. He was called ''the King Who Bore the Sword''. Many who disliked the Dornish influence and academic nature of Daeron's court preferred Daemon's rugged charisma and apathy toward learning and religion. According to Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]] of [[Standfast]], all the great [[knight]]s of the realm gathered to him:{{ref|TSS}}
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Daemon's rebellion ended [[Battle of the Redgrass Field|on the Redgrass Field]] in late {{date|196}}.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} According to Ser Eustace Osgrey, who fought on Daemon's side, Daemon fought "like the [[Warrior (the Seven)|Warrior]] himself".{{Ref|tss}} Daemon shattered the lines of Lord [[Donnel Arryn]]'s vanguard, leaving the loyalists in peril until Ser [[Gwayne Corbray]] of the [[Kingsguard]] arrived with reinforcements.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Vale: House Arryn}} Daemon and Ser Gwayne duelled, with both men using their Valyrian steel swords. The duel is said to have lasted nearly an hour before Daemon gained the upper hand. Corbray was wounded and Daemon dismounted to prevent Corbray from being trampled. He commanded that Corbray was taken off the field.{{Ref|TSS}}
* [[Robb Reyne]]  
 
* [[Gareth the Grey]]
 
* Ser [[Aubrey Ambrose]]  
 
* Lord [[Gormon Peake]]  
 
* Black [[Byren Flowers]]
 
* [[Redtusk]]
 
* [[Quentyn Ball|Quentyn "Fireball" Ball]]
 
* [[Aegor Rivers]].
 
  
The decisive battle of the war was fought [[Battle of the Redgrass Field|on the Redgrass Field]]. According to Eustace, who fought on the rebels' side, Daemon fought "like [[the Warrior]] himself". He defeated Ser [[Gwayne Corbray]] of the [[Kingsguard]] in single combat. Then, instead of attacking Prince [[Maekar I Targaryen|Maekar's]] forces, he defended the wounded Corbray and had him carried off the field.  
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In the meantime, [[Brynden Rivers]] with his archers, the [[Raven's Teeth]], had captured and assumed a position atop the [[Weeping Ridge]], which overlooked the battlefield and allowed them to rain arrows down among Daemon and his commanders. Daemon's heir [[Aegon Blackfyre|Aegon]] died first, followed by Daemon himself. When Daemon’s second son, Aegon's twin brother [[Aemon Blackfyre|Aemon]] took up Blackfyre, he was slain as well.{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}
  
In the meantime, [[Brynden Rivers]] and his personal guard of archers, the [[Raven's Teeth]], had found a spot from which they could rain their arrows down upon Daemon's position. Daemon and his twin 12-year-old sons, [[Aemon Blackfyre|Aemon]] and [[Aegon Blackfyre|Aegon]], were killed. With this the chance of victory for the rebels was gone.{{Ref|TSS}}
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===Legacy===
 
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With Daemon dead, the rebels began to rout. [[Aegor Rivers]] claimed Blackfyre and rallied the rebels by leading a charge against the Raven's Teeth, but was eventually forced to flee.{{ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} He took Daemon's widow and remaining children with him to the [[Free Cities]], eventually ending up in [[Tyrosh]].{{Ref|TMK}}{{Ref|TSS}} In exile, Daemon's descendants continued their struggle for the [[Iron Throne]], resulting in four more rebellions ([[Second Blackfyre Rebellion|Second]], [[Third Blackfyre Rebellion|Third]] and [[Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion]], and the [[War of the Ninepenny Kings]]), as well as one peacefull attempt during the [[Great Council of 233 AC]]. These attempts led to the arrest of Daemon's second son ([[Daemon II Blackfyre|Daemon]]), and the deaths of his third and fifth sons ([[Haegon I Blackfyre|Haegon]] and [[Aenys Blackfyre|Aenys]]), as well as the death of a grandson, also named [[Daemon III Blackfyre|Daemon]]. Daemon's last male descendant, [[Maelys I Blackfyre|Maelys]], was slain during the War of the Ninepenny Kings by Ser [[Barristan Selmy]], ending the Blackfyre threat{{Ref|TMK}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys II}}{{Ref|ADWD|5}} after sixty-four years.
Daemon had seven sons of which two died in battle with him.{{ref|TMK}} His remaining sons went into exile with Ser [[Aegor Rivers]].{{Ref|TSS}} Their descendants would attack at least four more times until [[Maelys Blackfyre|Maelys]], the last of the male{{Ref|aDwD|5}} line of [[House Blackfyre]], was killed upon the [[Stepstones]] around {{Date|260}}.<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Events#War of the Ninepenny Kings|War of the Ninepenny Kings]] calculation.''</ref>
 
  
 
==Quotes about Daemon==
 
==Quotes about Daemon==
{{Quote|The first and greatest of the [[Blackfyre Pretenders]] was the natural son of [[Daena Targaryen]], sister, betrothed, and (briefly) wife to King [[Baelor I Targaryen|Baelor the Blessed]].<ref>So Spake Martin: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/More_Targaryen_Descriptions More Targaryen Descriptions] (December 24, 2005)</ref>}} – [[George R. R. Martin]]
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{{Quote|The first and greatest of the [[Blackfyre Pretenders]] was the natural son of [[Daena Targaryen]], sister, betrothed, and (briefly) wife to King [[Baelor I Targaryen|Baelor the Blessed]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/More_Targaryen_Descriptions More Targaryen Descriptions (December 24, 2005)]</ref>|[[George R. R. Martin]]}}
  
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{{Quote|Daemon was the name [[Daena Targaryen|Daena]] gave to this child, for Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] had been the wonder and terror of his age, and in later days that was seen as a warning of what the boy would become.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}|[[Yandel]]}}
  
{{Quote|Daemon was the name [[Daena Targaryen|Daena]] gave to this child, for Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] had been the wonder and terror of his age, and in later days that was seen as a warning of what the boy would become. {{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}}} – Maester [[Yandel]]
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{{Quote|The '''rightful''' king, Daemon Blackfyre. The King Who Bore the Sword.{{Ref|TSS}}|[[Eustace Osgrey]], to [[Duncan the Tall]]}}
  
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{{Quote|Traitors have always paid with their lives.{{ref|ASOS|36}}|[[Stannis Baratheon]], to [[Davos Seaworth]]}}
  
{{Quote|The '''rightful''' king, Daemon Blackfyre. The King Who Bore the Sword.{{Ref|TSS}}}} – Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]], to [[Dunk]]
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{{Quote|Daemon Blackfyre loved the [[Daenerys Targaryen (daughter of Aegon IV)|first Daenerys]], and rose in [[First Blackfyre Rebellion|rebellion]] when denied her.{{Ref|aDwD|67}}|[[Barristan Selmy]]'s thoughts}}
  
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{{Quote|Daemon Blackfyre was a rebel and usurper.<ref>[[The Winds of Winter]], [[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]</ref>|[[Stannis Baratheon]], to [[Justin Massey]]}}
  
{{Quote|Traitors have always paid with their lives.{{ref|ASOS|36}}}} – [[Stannis Baratheon]], to [[Davos Seaworth]]
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==Family==
 
 
  
{{Quote|Daemon Blackfyre loved the [[Daenerys Targaryen (daughter of Aegon IV)|first Daenerys]], and rose in [[First Blackfyre Rebellion|rebellion]] when denied her.{{Ref|aDwD|67}}}} – [[Barristan Selmy]]'s thoughts
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{{Blackfyre tree}}
  
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==Notes==
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{{Notes}}
  
{{Quote|Daemon Blackfyre was a rebel and usurper.<ref>[[The Winds of Winter]], [[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]</ref>}} – [[Stannis Baratheon]], to Ser [[Justin Massey]]
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==References==
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{{Great Bastards}}
 
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Revision as of 12:23, 11 July 2019

House Blackfyre 2.svg
Daemon Blackfyre
House Blackfyre 2.svg
Daemon Blackfyre.jpg
Daemon by Amok©

Aliases
  • Daemon Waters
  • The Black Dragon
  • The King Who Bore the Sword
  • The Pretender
Titles
Allegiance House Blackfyre
Race Valyrian
Culture Crownlands
Born 170 AC[2]
King's Landing[3]
Died 196 AC
Redgrass Field
Spouse Rohanne of Tyrosh
Issue
Personal arms a black three headed-dragon on red
(Gules, a dragon thrice-headed sable)
Books

Daemon I Blackfyre, born Daemon Waters, was the bastard son of Princess Daena Targaryen and King Aegon IV Targaryen.[4] Daemon founded House Blackfyre, named after the Targaryen Valyrian steel sword. He fought against his trueborn half-brother, King Daeron II Targaryen, for the Iron Throne in the First Blackfyre Rebellion.

Daemon was the first and greatest of the five Blackfyre Pretenders. As a bastard of House Targaryen Daemon bore the arms of House Targaryen with the colors reversed: a black three-headed dragon on a red field. Thus he became known as the Black Dragon.

Appearance and Character

Daemon was tall and powerful, with broad shoulders, muscular arms, and a flat stomach. Targaryen on both sides, Daemon had all the hallmarks of his house. He had strong Targaryen features, with deep purple eyes and silver-gold hair which he wore long, flowing down to his shoulders in a silvery-gold mane. He always went clean-shaven, with neither beard nor mustache. Almost inhumanly beautiful, Daemon looked every inch the warrior, and many thought that he strongly resembled portraits of Aegon the Conqueror.[4]

His armor was ornate and costly, all black and red plate, and his warhelm was distinctive, with batlike steel "dragon wings" on the sides.

Daemon matured into a man of considerable charm and strength, mastering all weapons of the battlefield, but with the sword Blackfyre in hand he was said to fight like the Warrior himself. He won friends easily and women were drawn to him.[4]

History

Early life

In late 170 AC[N 1] Princess Daena Targaryen gave birth to Daemon[2] in King's Landing.[3] He was named for Daena's grandfather, Prince Daemon Targaryen, "for the Prince Daemon who had been the wonder and the terror of his age".[2] Although Daena refused to name Daemon's father, many people suspected the involvement of Prince Aegon Targaryen.[2][5]

Daemon was raised in the Red Keep and was taught arms by Ser Quentyn Ball, the master-at-arms at the Red Keep.[2] In 182 AC, when he was twelve years old, Daemon participated in a squire's tourney, which he won. King Aegon IV Targaryen personally knighted Daemon and publicly bestowed the Targaryen Valyrian steel sword Blackfyre on him,[2] finally acknowledging him as his son.[6] There were some who felt that the sword symbolized the monarchy[7] as it had been the sword of King Aegon I Targaryen, the Conqueror, and had been passed on from king to king ever since. Aegon's public gift of the sword would eventually start the first talk that Daemon should be king.[8] Following the acquisition of the sword, Daemon took the name "Blackfyre" for himself.[2]

King Aegon IV negotiated a betrothal for Daemon to Rohanne of Tyrosh.[9] Daemon's supporters would later claim that Daemon had desired to marry his younger half-sister, Daenerys, instead and that King Aegon, who desired the marriage alliance to Tyrosh, had promised Daemon that he could have more than one wife.[9] In 184 AC, while Aegon IV was on his deathbed, he legitimized all of his bastards, including Daemon.[2] Daemon's trueborn half-brother, Daeron II Targaryen, ascended the throne following Aegon's death. He refused to allow Daemon more than one wife, paid the dowry his late father had promised to the Archon of Tyrosh, and saw Daemon wed to Rohanne in early 184 AC, granting him a tract of land near the Blackwater on his wedding day, with the right to raise a castle.[9] Daemon and Rohanne had a fertile marriage. Their twin sons, Aegon and Aemon, were born later that same year.[10] They were followed by five more sons, and at least two daughters.[1]

In 187 AC, Daemon participated in Princess Daenerys's wedding tourney. He was defeated in the final tilt by Prince Baelor Targaryen, Daeron II's eldest son.[9]

Meanwhile, the growing influence of the Dornish at court, the Dornish appearance of Daeron II's heir, the sudden change of Dornish enemies to Dornish allies, Daeron's rumored illegitimacy (started by King Aegon IV durign his reign), and Aegon IV's previous public gift of Blackfyre, the "sword of kings", to Daemon caused several nobles and knights to start mistrusting Daeron II and Baelor, while seeing promise in Daemon. Men began to approach Daemon, but it took them many years to convince Daemon to declare his claim. Maester Yandel considers it likely that it had been Aegor Rivers, Daemon's younger half-brother, who had managed to convince Daemon in the end.[9] According to King Maekar I Targaryen, it had been both Aegor Rivers and Ser Quentyn Ball, the master-at-arms at the Red Keep, who had played the largest role in convincing Daemon.[11] Aegor pressed him to proclaim his claim for the Iron Throne, and after Daemon agreed to a betrothal between his eldest daughter, Calla, and Aegor, his efforts increased. Many lords and knights joined in.[9] Besides the influences of his councillors, Daemon had come to resent having the status of bastard and what it represented.[12]

Following the Blackfyre defeat in the first rebellion (which included the death of Daemon himself and his eldest two children, Aegon and Aemon), Daemon's bastard half-brother, Ser Aegor Rivers, fled to Tyrosh with Daemon's remaining children and widow. From there, Daemon's descendants continued to plot. Four more rebellions would follow, until 260 AC, when Maelys I Blackfyre, the last male of House Blackfyre, was slain on the Stepstones during the War of the Ninepenny Kings.[9][1][11][13][14][15]

First Blackfyre Rebellion

Daemon I Blackfyre, the Black Dragon, by Mike Hallstein

There was no final insult that resulted in the declaration of Daemon's claim.[9] There are some who say that it was the wedding of Princess Daenerys to the Dornish Prince Maron Martell that led to the First Blackfyre Rebellion. It was said that Daemon rebelled because she had been denied to him by Daeron.[16][1] However, while Daenerys' wedding took place in 187 AC, Daemon rebelled only eight years.[9] In 196 AC, Daemon began his rebellion, which would last nigh on a year. For his sigil, Daemon took the Targaryen sigil with the colors reversed, a black dragon on red, giving him the nickname "the Black Dragon" (with Daeron being referred as the Red Dragon).[9][1][11]

Daemon's decision to claim the throne had been made rashly, and word soon reached Daeron's court that Daemon meant to declare within a month. It has been suggested by Archmaester Merion that Brynden Rivers, another one of Aegon IV's bastard sons, was involved in the news reaching Daeron.[9] The Kingsguard was sent to arrest Daemon, but, with the aid of the master-at-arms of the Red Keep, Daemon managed to escape imprisonment.[9][11] Daemon's allies used this attempted arrest as a cause for war, claiming that Daeron had acted without reason.[9]

Besides Aegor Rivers and Quentyn Ball, Daemon's supporters, according to Ser Eustace Osgrey of Standfast, included Robb Reyne, Gareth the Grey, Ser Aubrey Ambrose, Lord Gormon Peake, Black Byren Flowers, and Redtusk.[1] Daemon's rebellion divided the Seven Kingdoms.[1] Half the realm declared for him, though not all were eager to pledge their full support. Notably, Houses Hightower, Butterwell, Oakheart and Tarbeck gave support to both Daemon and Daeron, while others (e.g., Manfred Lothston) were willing to betray Daemon for Daeron. The thief Quickfinger attempted to steal dragon eggs for Daemon, but was caught.[1]

Daemon's rebellion ended on the Redgrass Field in late 196 AC.[9] According to Ser Eustace Osgrey, who fought on Daemon's side, Daemon fought "like the Warrior himself".[1] Daemon shattered the lines of Lord Donnel Arryn's vanguard, leaving the loyalists in peril until Ser Gwayne Corbray of the Kingsguard arrived with reinforcements.[17] Daemon and Ser Gwayne duelled, with both men using their Valyrian steel swords. The duel is said to have lasted nearly an hour before Daemon gained the upper hand. Corbray was wounded and Daemon dismounted to prevent Corbray from being trampled. He commanded that Corbray was taken off the field.[1]

In the meantime, Brynden Rivers with his archers, the Raven's Teeth, had captured and assumed a position atop the Weeping Ridge, which overlooked the battlefield and allowed them to rain arrows down among Daemon and his commanders. Daemon's heir Aegon died first, followed by Daemon himself. When Daemon’s second son, Aegon's twin brother Aemon took up Blackfyre, he was slain as well.[1][9]

Legacy

With Daemon dead, the rebels began to rout. Aegor Rivers claimed Blackfyre and rallied the rebels by leading a charge against the Raven's Teeth, but was eventually forced to flee.[1][9] He took Daemon's widow and remaining children with him to the Free Cities, eventually ending up in Tyrosh.[11][1] In exile, Daemon's descendants continued their struggle for the Iron Throne, resulting in four more rebellions (Second, Third and Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion, and the War of the Ninepenny Kings), as well as one peacefull attempt during the Great Council of 233 AC. These attempts led to the arrest of Daemon's second son (Daemon), and the deaths of his third and fifth sons (Haegon and Aenys), as well as the death of a grandson, also named Daemon. Daemon's last male descendant, Maelys, was slain during the War of the Ninepenny Kings by Ser Barristan Selmy, ending the Blackfyre threat[11][13][14][15][18] after sixty-four years.

Quotes about Daemon

The first and greatest of the Blackfyre Pretenders was the natural son of Daena Targaryen, sister, betrothed, and (briefly) wife to King Baelor the Blessed.[19]

Daemon was the name Daena gave to this child, for Prince Daemon had been the wonder and terror of his age, and in later days that was seen as a warning of what the boy would become.[2]

The rightful king, Daemon Blackfyre. The King Who Bore the Sword.[1]

Traitors have always paid with their lives.[20]

Daemon Blackfyre loved the first Daenerys, and rose in rebellion when denied her.[16]

Barristan Selmy's thoughts

Daemon Blackfyre was a rebel and usurper.[21]

Family

 
 
 
Daena
Targaryen
 
 
 
 
Aegon IV
Targaryen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Barba
Bracken
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Daemon I
 
Rohanne
of Tyrosh
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aegon
 
 
Daemon II
 
 
Aenys
 
Two sons
 
 
Calla
 
Aegor
Rivers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aemon
 
Haegon
 
Unknown
wife
 
Daughter(s)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Daemon III
 
Son(s)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Daemon
 
Maelys
 

Notes

  1. After Daemon's birth, King Baelor I Targaryen began a forty-day fast. At the forty-first day he collapsed. As Daemon's year of birth is 170 AC and the year of Baelor's death is 171 AC, Daemon's birth took place late in the year 170 AC, while Baelor died early the following year.

References