Difference between revisions of "Gilly"

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{{Character  
 
{{Character  
| Character_name         = '''Gilly'''
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| Character_name = Gilly
| image         = [[File:Gilly.jpg|300px]]
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| image = [[File:Gilly by pojypojy.jpg|300px]]
| image_caption = Hannah Murray as Gilly at Craster's Keep ([[Game of Thrones|TV Show]])
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| image_caption = Gilly, by pojypojy
| Alias =the rabbit keeper {{Ref|aCoK|23}}
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| Alias =the rabbit keeper{{Ref|ACOK|23}}
 
| Title =  
 
| Title =  
| Allegiance = [[Wildling]]
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| Allegiance =  
 
| Race =
 
| Race =
| Culture =
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| Culture = [[Free folk]]
 
| Spouse = [[Craster]]
 
| Spouse = [[Craster]]
 +
| Issue = [[Monster]]
 
| Place_of_Birth =[[Craster's Keep]]
 
| Place_of_Birth =[[Craster's Keep]]
| Date_of_Birth = c. [[283 AL]] {{Ref|aCoK|23}} <ref>Her age as estimated by [[Jon Snow]].</ref>
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| Date_of_Birth = either {{Date|282}}, {{Date|283}} or {{Date|284}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued)#Gilly|Gilly]] calculation.''</ref>
 
| Place_of_Death =
 
| Place_of_Death =
 
| Date_of_Death =
 
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = [[A Clash of Kings]] (Appears)<br>[[A Storm of Swords]] (Appears)<br>[[A Feast for Crows]] (Appears)<br>[[A Dance with Dragons]] (Appears)
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| Books = ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appears)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (appears)<br>''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appears)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (appears)
| coat-of-arms
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| Played_by = [[w:Hannah Murray|Hannah Murray]]
| Played_by     = Hannah Murray
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| TV_series = [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|Season 2]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 3|Season 3]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 4|Season 4]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 5|Season 5]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 6|Season 6]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 7|Season 7]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 8|Season 8]]
| TV_series     = [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|Season 2]]
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| Coat-of-arms =
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''Gilly''' is a [[wildling]] girl, daughter and wife of [[Craster]]. She also has a [[The abomination|son]] by Craster.  
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'''Gilly''' is a [[wildling]] girl, the daughter and youngest wife of [[Craster]]. She has a [[Monster|son]] fathered by Craster. In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' she is portrayed by [[w:Hannah Murray|Hannah Murray]].
  
 
==Appearance and Character==
 
==Appearance and Character==
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:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Gilly|Images of Gilly]]''
  
Gilly seems to be in her late teens. Jon During their initial encounter, [[Jon Snow]] estimated her to be 15 or 16 years-old. Gilly has dark hair and a gaunt face. She is named for the  [[w:Gilliflower|gillyflower]]. {{Ref|aCoK|23}} <ref>The term "gillyflower" traditionally describes a number of unrelated species of scented flowering plants. The most notable of them are [[w:Dianthus caryophyllus|Dianthus caryophyllus]] (also known as "carnation" or "clove pink"), [[w:Matthiola incana|Matthiola incana]] ("stock" or "hoary stock"), [[w:Erysimum cheiri|Erysimum cheiri]] ("cheiranthus" or "wallflower"),  [[w:Hesperis matronalis|Hesperis matronalis]] ("night-scented gilliflower" or "mother-of-the-evening"), [[w:Common Soapwort|Saponaria officinalis]] ("soapwort" or "bouncing bet"), and [[w:Armeria maritima|Armeria maritima]] ("thrift" or "sea pink"). </ref> She has brown eyes. She is regarded as doe-eyed. Even after giving birth, Gilly retains a slim figure. She is regarded as pretty. {{Ref|aFfC|5}} Jon Snow considers Gilly a slender little thing, somewhat childlike in appearance. Her status as a wife and mother is not evident in her appearance. {{Ref|aDwD|7}}
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Gilly has a pale, gaunt face,{{Ref|ASOS|46}}{{Ref|ASOS|56}} dark hair, and big brown doe-eyes.{{Ref|ASOS|23}}{{Ref|AFFC|5}} Even after giving birth, Gilly retains a slim figure.{{Ref|AFFC|5}} She is regarded as pretty.{{Ref|AFFC|5}} According to [[Jon Snow]], Gilly is somewhat childlike in appearance.{{Ref|ADWD|7}} She smells of milk, garlic and musty old fur.{{Ref|ASOS|46}} She has a soft and shy voice.{{Ref|ASOS|75}} After leaving Craster's Keep, Gilly frequently dresses in Samwell's old black cloak.{{Ref|AFFC|5}}
  
[[Samwell Tarly]] considers Gilly "very brave", and able to keep going no matter the obstacles on the way. He contrasts her to himself and his perceived cowardice. {{Ref|aSoS|46}} He also considers her to be kind. {{Ref|aSoS|75}}
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[[Samwell Tarly]] considers Gilly to be "good and kind".{{Ref|ASOS|75}} Having been raised by the abusive [[Craster]] and not having known any other men for a long time, Gilly is far more comfortable around other women.{{Ref|AFFC|35}}
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According to Samwell, Gilly is "very brave", able to keep going no matter the obstacles on the way.{{Ref|ASOS|46}} He believes she has more courage than she knows herself,{{Ref|AFFC|5}} and claims Gilly is stronger than she looks.{{Ref|ASOS|75}}
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She dislikes being called a "lady", claiming she is "Craster's wife and Craster's daughter, and a mother" instead.{{Ref|AFFC|5}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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Gilly was born to [[Craster]] and one of his many wives. She was named for the [[w:Gilliflower|gillyflower]].{{Ref|ACOK|23}}{{Ref|ASOS|56}}<ref group="N">The term "gillyflower" traditionally describes a number of unrelated species of scented flowering plants. The most notable of them are [[w:Dianthus caryophyllus|Dianthus caryophyllus]] (also known as "carnation" or "clove pink"), [[w:Matthiola incana|Matthiola incana]] ("stock" or "hoary stock"), [[w:Erysimum cheiri|Erysimum cheiri]] ("cheiranthus" or "wallflower"),  [[w:Hesperis matronalis|Hesperis matronalis]] ("night-scented gilliflower" or "mother-of-the-evening"), [[w:Common Soapwort|Saponaria officinalis]] ("soapwort" or "bouncing bet"), and [[w:Armeria maritima|Armeria maritima]] ("thrift" or "sea pink").</ref>
  
Gilly is the daughtern of [[Craster]]. Her apparent mother is [[Ferny]], who calls Gilly "my girl". At an early age, Gilly was taught not to lie. Ferny claims to have beaten the lying out of her daughter. {{Ref|aSoS|33}} She used to hear comments on the size of the [[Wall]] from her father. {{Ref|aSoS|46}} Craster taught her that southron people follow the [[Faith of the Seven]]. {{Ref|aSoS|46}}
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Gilly's mother raised her to be honest, and beat the lying out of her when she was still very young.{{Ref|asos|33}} She lived the first decade and a half of her life without seeing anything other than [[Craster's Keep]] and the woods around it, never going further than half a league away.{{Ref|AFFC|15}}{{Ref|AFFC|26}} Although familiar with streams and rivers, she never saw a lake.{{Ref|AFFC|15}}  
  
Gilly eventually married her father. The wedding took place in the summer. The family celebrated the wedding day by drinking "the sweetest [[w:Mead|mead]]". {{Ref|aSoS|46}}
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When Gilly was old enough, at some point during the summer, she married her father. On the day of their wedding, they drank the sweetest [[mead]].{{Ref|ASOS|46}} At some point after the wedding, Gilly became pregnant with Craster's child.{{Ref|ACOK|23}} By {{Date|299}}, Gilly is Craster's youngest wife.{{Ref|AWOIAF| Gilly}}
 
 
Gilly held a negative opinion of [[Rattleshirt]], who seems to have been an enemy of her father. She remembers Craster swearing to kill the "Lord of Bones", if said man dared to approach [[Craster's Keep]]. {{Ref|aDwD|7}}
 
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
===A Clash of Kings===
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===''A Clash of Kings''===
During [[the Great Ranging]], the [[Night's Watch]] stops at [[Craster's Keep]]. Gilly is in the early months of her pregnancy. The sheeps of Craster have already died out. Gilly has caged two rabbits in hopes of breeding them. However a hungry [[Ghost]] shatters the wooden hutch, killing the two rabbits, and terrifying Gilly. The young woman places her back against a wall and starts shouting, trying to convince the "wolf" to keep away from her. Her shouts attract the attention of [[Jon Snow]]. {{Ref|aCoK|23}}
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[[File:Gilly.jpg|thumb|right|Hannah Murray as Gilly at Craster's Keep ([[Game of Thrones]])]]
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When the [[Night's Watch]] stops at Craster's Keep on [[Jeor Mormont]]'s ranging, she encounters and befriends [[Samwell Tarly]]. She is pregnant with Craster's child, and fears that if she gives birth to a son, Craster will sacrifice him to the [[Others]]. She beseeches Samwell to help her, and Samwell agrees, sending her to [[Jon Snow]], to the annoyance of the latter.{{Ref|ACOK|23}}
  
She takes note of the approaching Jon and calls him "m'lord", asking for help. Jon assures Gilly that she is safe from Ghost and calls the direwolf by his side. She still regards both the direwolf and its apparent master with "nervous eyes". Jon estimates her to be one of Craster's daughters. She points out that she is also one of Craster's wives. Jon claims that the Watch will compensate her for the loss of the rabbits, promising to bring the matter to [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch|Lord Commander]] [[Jeor Mormont]]. He then tries to explain that he is no lord. {{Ref|aCoK|23}}
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===''A Storm of Swords''===
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After the attack on the [[Fist of the First Men]], as the survivors of the Night's Watch march to Craster's Keep to regroup, Gilly gives birth to a [[Monster|son]].{{Ref|ASOS|33}} Craster is killed by a group of mutineers before he can sacrifice the child, and in the confusion Gilly flees south with Samwell.{{Ref|ASOS|33}} At some point, Gilly and Samwell take shelter in a wildling village, where they are attacked by [[wight]]s while staying in the village's longhall. Gilly flees outside with her child while Samwell holds off the undead [[Small Paul]], but there she is cornered against a [[weirwood]] tree by other wights.<ref group="N">Including [[Lark]] the Sisterman, [[Softfoot]], [[Ryles]], [[Chett]], and presumably [[Hake]].</ref> Gilly, her son, and Samwell are saved by [[Coldhands]],{{Ref|ASOS|46}} who takes them to the [[Nightfort]].{{Ref|ASOS|56}} There, Gilly, the babe, and Samwell cross the [[Wall]] through the [[Black Gate]]. At the Nightfort, they encounter [[Bran Stark]], [[Jojen Reed|Jojen]] and [[Meera Reed]], [[Hodor]], and [[Summer (direwolf)|Summer]], who they sent to Coldhands.{{Ref|ASOS|56}} From the Nightfort, they walk to [[Deep Lake]] and [[Queensgate]] on the narrow track running between the castles on the south side of the Wall. A day and a half from [[Castle Black]], they are found by Ser [[Denys Mallister]] from the [[Shadow Tower]] and his riders.{{Ref|ASOS|75}} After arriving at Castle Black, Gilly serves as a [[wet nurse]] to the [[Aemon Steelsong|son]] of [[Mance Rayder]]{{Ref|ASOS|75}} since [[Dalla]], Mance's wife, has died in childbirth.{{Ref|ASOS|73}}{{Ref|ASOS|75}}
  
Other members of the Night's Watch respond to Gillys previous screams and intervene in the conversation. [[Lark]] jokingly claims that Jon is lying about not being a Lord. He introduces the young man to Gilly as "Lord Snow". [[Chett]] further introduces Jon as a [[Bastardy|bastard]] of [[Winterfell]] and brother to kings, an indirect reference to [[Robb Stark]], [[King In The North|King in the North]]. Lark warns Gilly about Ghost still observing her with hungry eyes. Suggesting to her that the "wolf" is after her fetus. By this point, Gilly recalls that Craster forbid his women to talk to the visitors. She runs away from the gathered group. {{Ref|aCoK|23}}
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Samwell suggests to [[Jon Snow]] that he could write a letter to [[Randyll Tarly|his father]] claiming that Gilly's child is his own, with the intention of finding Gilly and her boy a safe place at [[Horn Hill]], his father's castle.{{Ref|ASOS|75}}
  
The following morning, Gilly seeks out Jon. She calls him "Lord Snow" in a soft, meek voice. Possibly believing this to be his actual title. He recognizes her as the "rabbit keeper", but is surprised to see her wrapped in a black cloak. He recognized said cloak to belong to [[Samwell Tarly]]. Gilly claims that "the fat one" (Samwell) helped her locate Jon. Jon at first thinks that she wants to press the case concerning her rabbits. She explains that Jeor already paid a compensation to Craster, in the form of a valuable crossbow. Gilly instead wants to know if Lord Snow is truly brother to a king. He admits to being a bastard to [[Eddard Stark]] and half-brother to Robb. {{Ref|aCoK|23}}
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===''A Feast for Crows''===
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[[File:Only water by cabepfir.jpg|thumb|right|[[Samwell Tarly]] and Gilly traveling to [[Oldtown]], by cabepfir]]
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Gilly is called before [[Jon Snow]], now the [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], who tells her that she is to leave [[Castle Black]] and take [[Mance Rayder]]'s child with her, leaving her own behind at Castle Black. Gilly insists on taking both children, but Jon refuses to allow it. He threatens her, telling her that if she refuses to take Dalla's boy, the day [[Melisandre]] gives him to the flames, her own son will die as well.{{Ref|ADWD|7}} Gilly leaves Jon's chambers in tears.{{Ref|AFFC|5}} Jon later tells [[Samwell Tarly]] that he is sending Gilly and her son away, and that Samwell is to accompany them, together with [[Dareon]] and Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]], to [[Oldtown]]. As Gilly departs the next morning, he swears to her that he will find a [[wet nurse]] for her child, and promises not to name the boy until he reaches the age of two as per [[wildling]] tradition.{{Ref|AFFC|5}} Gilly and her companions board the ''[[Blackbird]]'' at [[Eastwatch-by-the-sea]], bound for [[Braavos]]. For much of the journey Gilly is overcome with grief at being separated from her child.{{Ref|AFFC|15}}{{Ref|AFFC|26}} Although he is blind, Maester Aemon is the only one to realize that Gilly's tears are not out of fear of the journey, but out of grief of losing her child, and horrifies Samwell with the revelation.{{Ref|AFFC|15}} At Braavos, Gilly once gets lost while trying to find water at one of the public fountains of the city, being frightened by her surroundings and the strangers in the city. Samwell eventually finds her weeping beneath the statue of a long-dead [[Sealord]].{{Ref|AFFC|26}}
  
When asked about her purpose in seeking out Jon, Gilly replies that Samwell send her to him. Samwell also lend his cloak to her, helping her to hide among the other black-clad members of the Watch. She is taking advantage of the fact that Craster is currently drunk and asleep. She next tells Jon about the tales concerning the responsibilities of kings. Responsibilities including granting justice and protecting the weak. She apparently hopes that the brothers of kings have similar inclinations. She kneels before Jon, begging the young man to take with him. When the time comes for the visitors to leave, she wants to leave Craster's Keep with them. She offers to become Jon's wife in payment for the favor. {{Ref|aCoK|23}}
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Gilly, Samwell, Aemon, and the babe eventually board the ''[[Cinnamon Wind]]'' and leave Braavos. During this part of the journey Gilly starts to give her grief a place,{{Ref|AFFC|35}} and comes to love Dalla's child as much as she loves her own.{{Ref|AFFC|45}} Aemon dies during their journey; the night before his death, he asks Gilly if he can hold the babe and she complies, although she is afraid the old man will drop the child. She is present on deck with Samwell during Aemon's funeral service, and when Samwell comments on Jon's decision to send the ancient maester on a journey by sea, Gilly tells him that Aemon's king's blood endangered his safety at Castle Black, and that Jon had send both Aemon and Dalla's babe away to save them.{{Ref|AFFC|35}} She also says they could name [[Aemon Steelsong|Dalla's baby]] after Aemon, once he reaches two years old. Gilly later sleeps with a grieving Samwell, who is deeply regretful as he is sworn to the vows of the [[Night's Watch]]. When he tells her that he swore vows before a [[heart tree]], Gilly tells him that there are no trees on the water to watch at what they do.{{Ref|AFFC|35}}
  
Jon points out that he doesn't even know her name. She then properly introduces herself. He compliments her pretty name, thinking about following [[Sansa Stark]]'s instructions on proper etiquette. He then asks if Gilly is scared of Craster. Gilly explains her situation. She fears for the fate of her baby. If born female, the baby could grow up to become another wife to Craster. A fate that Gilly considers "not so bad". But if born male, the baby will be sacrificed to "the gods". [[Nella]] predicts that Gilly's baby will be a boy. {{Ref|aCoK|23}} Jon enquires on the identity of these "gods". Gilly describes them as "cold gods", "the ones in the night", and "the white shadows".  With eyes blue, bright as stars, and cold. Jon understands them to be the [[Others]]. {{Ref|aCoK|23}}
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Upon their arrival at Oldtown, Samwell announces his intention to arrange horses and a wagon for Gilly to travel to [[Horn Hill]], Samwell's childhood home.{{Ref|AFFC|45}} Samwell first travels to the [[Citadel]], however, and Gilly awaits his return upon the ''Cinnamon Wind''.{{Ref|AFFC|45}}
  
Gilly again asks Jon to take her with him, south to the [[Wall]]. Jon has to explain that their host is not heading south. It is heading further north,  in search of [[Mance Rayder]], the Others, and their wights. He notes the fear in Gilly's face. But she is not dissuaded. She states that when their war is done, Jon will have to return south through Craster's Keep. He will then have the opportunity to take her south. Jon shoots down this proposal. He warns that he is not at freedom to choose the path of the army. This is the duty of Jeor, who might lead them elsewhere. Gilly finally despairs. She apologizes for causing trouble, and for thinking that kings keep people safe. Then she runs away, leaving behind a frustrated Jon. {{Ref|aCoK|23}}
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==Family==
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{{Craster tree}}
  
Later, Gilly meets with Samwell by her broken rabbit hatch. She returns his black cloak. Jon locates them and heads towards them. When she sees the approaching man, Gilly flees from him. {{Ref|aCoK|23}}
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==Notes==
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{{Notes}}
  
===A Storm of Swords===
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==References==
Following the [[Battle of the Fist of the First Men]], the remnants of the [[Night's Watch]] retreat. Among the marching soldiers is [[Samwell Tarly]]. Exhausted from the forced march, Samwell eventually falls in the snow. He considers himself lost and his thoughts are haunted by images of the battle. At some point the young man tries to turn his thoughts to more pleasant thoughts. Remembering people that he cared about: his mother [[Melessa Florent]], his younger sister [[Talla Tarly]], and Gilly. His thoughts are interrupted by [[Grenn]], who attempts to get Samwell back on his feet. {{Ref|aSoS|18}} A total of 44 survivors manage to reach [[Craster's Keep]]. {{Ref|aSoS|33}}  
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{{References}}
  
In the loft of the Keep, Gilly goes in labor. One of Craster's older wives tends to her, instructing the young woman to push harder. A worried Samwell listens to her shuddering sobs and loud screams. On the other hand, Craster is annoyed. He instructs the would-be midwife to have Gilly bite down on a rag. Samwell is still able to hear the muffled shrieks. At last the midwife announces that she is able to see the head of the baby. {{Ref|aSoS|33}} Shortly after, Craster announces that he has [[The abomination|a son]]. [[Jeor Mormont]] claims to be glad for their host. His stiff face says otherwise. {{Ref|aSoS|33}}
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[[Category:Characters from Beyond the Wall]]
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[[Category:Craster's wives]]
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[[Category:Wet nurses]]
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[[Category:Wildlings]]
  
The [[Mutiny at Craster's Keep]] takes place. Samwell recovers from deep shock, and finds himself sitting cross-legged on the floor, with the dying Mormont’s head in his lap. He is there approached by Gilly and two "haggard old women", all widows of Craster. The two are identified as [[Dyah]] and [[Ferny]]. Gilly brings along her son, bundled up in fur. She reminds Samwell of his promise to help her escape. Dyah has two [[horse]]s available for them. Ferny presses the young man to take "the girl" without wasting time. Both old women insist that Gilly has to be taken to someplace warm. {{Ref|aSoS|33}} Gilly is in tears. She begs Samwell to take her and her son away from Craster's Keep. Offering to serve as his wife in return. Craster is dead, but she is afraid that "they" will come for her son. Dyah offers clarifications on who is approaching: "the boy's brothers", "Craster's sons". {{Ref|aSoS|33}}
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[[es:Elí]]
 
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[[fr:Vère]]
Samwell, Gilly, and her son jointly leave Craster's Keep, heading south. Three days later, one of their horses dies. Samwell is convinced that his weight killed the animal. He decides to have Gilly ride their remaining horse, while he walks beside it. He notes that Gilly has yet to recover from the ordeal of childbirth. {{Ref|aSoS|46}} During their journey south, Samwell attempts to start a fire. He tries to strike a spark off flint and steel. He instead manages to cut his hand with his own knife. Gilly binds the wound. Afterwards, she is responsible for making fires for them. Samwell mentally notes that she is better than him in this respect. {{Ref|aSoS|46}} While struggling through the snows, the two come across a number of lakes. Gilly is amazed. Having never left home before, she has never seen large bodies of water. {{Ref|aFfC|15}} They eventually manage to reach [[Whitetree]]. Samwell leads her to the longhall, before leaving her alone for a while. Gilly is assigned to light a fire for them, while Samwell searches the nearby hovels. {{Ref|aSoS|46}} They are running out of food. {{Ref|aSoS|46}}
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[[ru:Лилли]]
 
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[[zh:&#21513;&#33673;]]
By the time Samwell returns to the longhall, Gilly has the fire going. She sits by the fire and breast-feeds her son. She asks Samwell concerning the remaining distance of their journey. He claims that they are a few days distance from their destination, [[Castle Black]]. He keeps to himself suspicions that they might be northeast or northwest of their target area, in which case moving south will get them to other areas of the Wall. Areas with no gates for them to pass through. {{Ref|aSoS|46}} Gilly asks for information on the size of the Wall, and on whether she and her son can have access to the fire in the longhall of Castle Black. Samwell gives a vivid description of the Wall and promises her more than access to the fire. He speaks to her of the food and drink available within the Castle, of the bread baked by [[Hobb]], of the singing abilities of [[Halder]] and [[Todder]]. {{Ref|aSoS|46}}
 
 
 
Gilly, still breast-feeding her son, asks whether Samwell himself can sing. He admits to knowing some songs, though his father [[Randyll Tarly]] frowned on him singing or dancing. Gilly asks her companion to sing a "southron song", a song for her baby. Samwell complies and sings "[[The Song of the Seven]]". Gilly's son falls asleep. Gilly covers her nipples with fur, then compliments Samwell on his singing ability. She notes,however, something peculiar concerning the song. She counted six gods mentioned in the song, but knows that "southrons" worship seven gods. Samwell explains that the song makes no mention of the Stranger, since nobody "sings of the Stranger". {{Ref|aSoS|46}}
 
 
 
Gilly and Samwell proceed to have a meager meal: black sausages, seasoned with garlic. Then Samwell leaves the longhall, to tend to their horse. He decides to have the horse sleep in the longhall. He returns with the horse and finds Gilly asleep, under the furs. He also makes his way under the furs, preparing to sleep beside her. They have taken to sleeping together to share body heat. He notes Gilly's scent of milk, garlic, and musty old fur. He has grown fond of her scent and finds comfort in sleeping with company. It reminds him of [[Horn Hill]], where he used to share a bed with two of his sisters. {{Ref|aSoS|46}} This night Samwell dreams of becoming Lord of Horn Hill, wielding [[Heartsbane]], and sharing a bedchamber with Gilly. {{Ref|aSoS|46}}
 
 
 
Gilly wakes up before her companion does. She sits by the fire, hugging her son. When Samwell wakes up, Gilly is weeping. She informs him than someone has come to claim the life of her baby. A figure emerges from the shadows. He is a wight and Samwell recognizes him as [[Paul|Small Paul]]. Samwell instructs Gilly to calm their horse and lead it outside. He moves away from Gilly and her son, hoping that Small Paul will shift his attention to him. Gilly claws around on the floor, and Paul seems to be observing her. Samwell shouts and provides a distraction. Allowing Gilly to reach their horse. As Samwell faces Paul, Gilly murmurs to calm down the horse. Already trying to lead it towards the door. The horse is scared and goes out of control. Samwell struggles agains Small Paul and manages to set the wight on fire. {{Ref|aSoS|46}}
 
 
 
Gilly has managed to escape the longhall. But the village has been invaded by other wights, both former wildlings and former members of the Night's Watch. Gilly stands with her back against the village [[weirwood]], as the wights surround her. Some of them kill the horse. When Samwell exits the longhall, he is able to recognize some of the attackers: [[Lark]], [[Softfoot]], [[Ryles]], [[Chett]], [[Chett]], and [[Hake]]. As the wights keep approaching, Gilly screams. Her screams mix with those of a nearby [[raven]]. Suddenly thousands of ravens appear and attack the wights, feeding on their flesh. One of the ravens is shouting an instruction for Samwell and Gilly: "Go". {{Ref|aSoS|46}} Samwell manages to reach Gilly and takes her hand into his own. He pulls her away from the weirwood, insisting that they have to go. She objects that the wights killed their horse. She doubts if they can both continue on foot. At this point [[Coldhands]] appears and offers to help them out. He invites them to ride on his [[w:Irish elk|elk]], an animal 10 feet tall (3,05 meters) at the shoulder. Coldhands reaches down with a gloved hand, pulling Gilly up. She is seated behind him. {{Ref|aSoS|46}}
 
 
 
Gilly and Samwell emerge from a well, finding themselves in the kitchens of the [[Nightfort]]. Gilly's son starts wailing. Samwell is immediately attacked by [[Meera Reed]], who covers him with her net and threatens him with her spear. Gilly attempts to shush her wailing baby. [[Jojen Reed]] starts a fire and sheds some light, allowing the two groups to examine each other. [[Bran Stark]] first notices the mother and child, then identifies Samwell as a member of the Night's Watch. {{Ref|aSoS|56}} Gilly identifies herself to Jojen, and assures the strangers that they were not trying to scare them. Meanwhile, she rocks her son and manages to calm him down. Ending his loud wailing. She mentions Coldhands tasked with finding someone, and suspects that this someone is Jojen. Sam next mentions Coldhands' instructions for locating the Black Gate. Which they apparently used to enter the abandoned fort. {{Ref|aSoS|56}}
 
 
 
Gilly gives the other group a few more details on Coldhands, his ravens, and his elk. Startling Bran, Meera, and Jojen. [[Hodor]] adds his own questioning "Hodor?". After a while, Samwell realizes who Bran is. At the time the young Stark is reputed to be dead. Bran asks them to maintain the secret of his survival. Both Samwell and Gilly agree to keep this secret to themselves. The discussion turns to [[Jon Snow]], and at this point [[Summer (direwolf)|Summer]] approaches the gathered humans. Gilly is scared of the direwolf and tightens her hold on her son. The baby starts crying again. Samwell instead offers his hand to the direwolf, and Summer licks the offered hand. {{Ref|aSoS|56}} Samwell offers to lead the other group to the Black Gate. Gilly and the baby will stay back in the kitchen, enjoying the fire there. Gilly herself is amazed at the size of the "castle", failing to realize that this is only a section of it. Bran privately muses on what would Gilly think of [[Winterfell]]. As the group leaves with Samwell, Gilly starts breast-feeding her son. She states her certainty that Samwell will return for her. Her companion promises to lead her somewhere warm. {{Ref|aSoS|56}}
 
 
 
Gilly and Samwell leave the Nightfort on foot, heading east. They walk the distance from the Nightfort to [[Deep Lake]]. From there they walk to [[Queensgate]]. Then they start heading for [[Castle Black]]. They are still a day-and-a-half away from their destination when Gilly hears horses. The weary travelers make contact with the riders, which turn out to be members of the Night's Watch. This unit is under the leadership of [[Denys Mallister]] from the [[Shadow Tower]], and includes the survivors of the [[Battle of the Bridge of Skulls]]. Among them is [[Bowen Marsh]] whose battle wounds have yet to fully heal. Samwell is happy to see three familiar faces among the
 
unit: [[Dywen]], [[Bedwyck]], and [[Eddison Tollett]]. The trio informs him of the recent [[Battle of Castle Black]]. The travellers join the unit to its destination in Castle Black. {{Ref|aSoS|75}} Denys treast Samwell and Gilly "most courteously". {{Ref|aSoS|78}}
 
 
 
They find Castle Black serving as the headquarters of [[Stannis Baratheon]] and his army. There are many banners on display,. Gilly has never seen banners before and is unaware of their meaning. Samwell points various banners to her and explains their association with various Houses: [[House Baratheon|Baratheon]], [[House Florent|Florent]], [[House Estermont|Estermont]], [[House Bar Emmon|Bar Emmon]], and [[House Wensington|Wensington]]. Gilly finds them all bright as flowers. But she is more impressed with the banners displaying a fire, though Samwell has never seen this banner before. They find out soon enough that this is the "fiery heart" displayed by [[House Baratheon of Dragonstone]] and by the [[Queen's Men]]. Several old friends are happy to see Samwell. Only Jon Snow seems to recognize Gilly. {{Ref|aSoS|75}}
 
 
 
Gilly soon finds a position as wetnurse to the [[Wildling prince]]. The father of this boy, [[Mance Rayder]] is in captivity, while his mother [[Dalla]] died in childbirth. {{Ref|aSoS|75}} {{Ref|aSoS|76}} The boy's aunt, [[Val]], explains that the boy previously had to survive on goat's milk and potions provided by [[Maester Aemon]]. Gilly notes that the Prince sucks milk harder than her own son. {{Ref|aSoS|75}} Jon Snow observes Gilly breat-feeding the Prince with a sad smile on his face. However, Samwell mentally notes that this a relatively rare smile from Jon. Jon finds amusing that Craster's daughter is feeding Mance's son, since their fathers were never fond of each other. In a soft, shy voice, Gilly answers that she has enough milk for the two babies. Pointing that her own son is content with a small portion of the breast milk, not as greedy as the Prince. {{Ref|aSoS|75}}
 
 
 
Samwell and Jon leave Gilly and Val, returning to their duties. Samwell takes the time to squeeze Gilly's hand and to promise to return after supper. While the men walk down the stairs, Jon observes that Samwell is "more than fond" of Gilly. A blushing Samwell compliments her kindness. His private thoughts reveal that the young man misses sleeping with Gilly. He currently spends the nights alone in his cell. Jon observes that Samwell can not "keep her", having sworn to take no wife. Samwell reveals that he has already explained the terms of his oath to Gilly. She knows that they can not marry, though her thoughts on the matter remain a mystery to him. Samwell also explains about working on a plan to sent Gilly away. He contemplates sending her to Horn Hill, claiming her son as a bastard of [[House Tarly]]. Gilly could then become a servant to the House, and the boy could have a future. Bastards can still grow up to become household guards, squires, and [[knight]]s. Jon finds this plan serviceable. But warns his friend to make sure that Gilly plays this game convincingly. {{Ref|aSoS|75}}
 
 
 
Stannis has offered Jon the chance to become Lord of Winterfell. Jon toys with the idea of marrying Val and having a son of his own. He considers that both the Wildling Prince and Gilly's boy could then be fostered at Winterfell. The new couple could also offer a position to Gilly herself. He considers the idea of the sons of Craster and Mance growing up as brothers. A relationship similar to his own with [[Robb Stark]]. He is seriously considering the idea, when his thoughts suddenly turn to hunger and hunting prey. The sudden shift marks the approach of [[Ghost]], Jon is able to sense the direwolf's thoughts. {{Ref|aSoS|79}}
 
 
 
===A Feast for Crows===
 
[[File:Only water by cabepfir.jpg|250px|thumb]]
 
 
 
In [[Castle Black]], [[Samwell Tarly]] studies for days in the library. He is searching for any available information on the [[Others]]. His study is interrupted by [[Eddison Tollett]], who has been been told to have Samwell report to [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch|Lord Commander]] [[Jon Snow]]. Eddison also reports that Jon is currently preoccupied with "Craster's wife", Gilly. Eddison briefly comments on the beauty of Gilly, joking that if his own wetnurse looked like Gilly, he would still be nursing. {{Ref|aFfC|5}}
 
 
 
Samwell approaches the private quarters of Jon Snow, previously occupied by [[Donal Noye]]. He sees Gilly leaving said quarters, still dressed in his old cloak. Her face is half-hidden by the hood of the cloak. She almost rushes past him, apparently failing to notice her former companion. He catches her arm and greets her. Her own greeting is given in a raw voice. Samwell notices that Gilly is shivering, and her face seems wan. She is evidently scared. He asks her if there is something wrong, and whether something happened to her two infants. She claims that both boys are fine. Though there is a marked difference between them. The Wildling Prince keeps crying at night, requesting further feeding. Her own son "hardly ever cries", and occasionally gurgles. Suddenly her eyes feel with tears. She claims that she is in a hurry to feed the boys, then rushes across the yard. Leaving Samwell perplexed. {{Ref|aFfC|5}} Privately, Samwell considers that Gilly's presence always causes him to have "risings" (erections), particularly when she speaks of her breasts. {{Ref|aFfC|5}}
 
 
 
Samwell questions Jon concerning the cause of Gilly's tears. Jon claims that [[Val]] had send Gilly to plead for the life of [[Mance Rayder]]. And that he had promised Gilly to speak to [[Stannis Baratheon]], withought guaranteeing that Stannis would listen to him. He then informs Samwell of his plans to send Gilly and "the boy" away. {{Ref|aFfC|5}} <ref>The phrase leaves vague which of the two boys is going to be send away. </ref> After discussing about the Others, Jon adds that Samwell will be leaving with Gilly. He has decided to  send Samwell and [[Maester Aemon]] to [[Oldtown]]. They will stop at [[Eastwatch-by-the-Sea]] to also collect [[Dareon]]. The Blackbird has orders to transport all five of them to [[Braavos]]. From there they will have to find a way to reach Oldtown. He reminds Samwell of his plan to send Gilly to [[Horn Hill]]. He notes that their journey offers Samwell a chance to place her there. If Samwell decides to abort the plan, Aemon can still find a position for her among the servants of the [[Citadel]]. {{Ref|aFfC|5}}
 
 
 
Samwell is caught by surprise. He agrees, however, that his mother and sisters can help Gilly. {{Ref|aFfC|5}} The following morning the travelers prepare to depart for Eastwatch. They are to be escorted by [[Jack Bulwer|Black Jack Bulwer]] and a dozen seasoned rangers, including [[Kedge Whiteye]]. Maester Aemon, Gilly, and "her" child will travel in a wayn (a horse-drawn cart). Gilly appears with a baby bundled in her arms. She is wearing her hooded cloak again. But beneath the hood, her eyes are red with tears. Jon Snow instructs Jack to take no foolish risks with the safety of Aemon and the baby, who will have to be kept warm and well fed. Gilly takes the opportunity to remind Jon that the other boy, the Wildling Prince, will also have to be kept warm and fed. And that Jon has promised to find a wetnurse for the boy left behind at Castle Black. Jon solemnly promises to do so. Gilly then asks the Lord Commander to not name the boy prematurely, to avoid "ill luck" (infant mortality). Not before the boy is at least two-years-old. Jon agrees to her request, but calls her a "lady". Gilly reacts with anger to this term. Stating that she is Craster's wife, Craster's daughter, and a mother. But not a lady. {{Ref|aFfC|5}}
 
 
 
She hands the baby to Eddison and then climbs into the wayn, covering her legs with furs. Then Eddison hands back the boy, and Gilly starts breast-feeding the infant. For some reason, Jon remarks on his first meeting with Gilly. Back in Craster's Keep, when she was so afraid of Ghost. But "it was not the wolf she should have been afraid of". Samwell thinks that the remark means that Craster was more of a threat than Ghost. {{Ref|aFfC|5}}<ref>There is an implication that Gilly should have been afraid of Jon Snow, instead of fearing Ghost. </ref>
 
 
 
At Eastwatch, Gilly sees the sea for the first time in her life. The travelers set sail aboard the Blackbird. As the ship moves away from the shore, Gilly begins to tremble. Samwell notes tears rolling down her cheeks. He overhears her whispering: "gods be good". Eventually the ship looses sight of Eastwatch and the Wall. Gilly's face seems white with fear. Samwell concludes that she is afraid of drowning and tries to assure her that they will be safe aboard the Blackbird. Gilly silently stares at him. Then tightens her grip on the infant at her ams, and flees below the deck. {{Ref|aFfC|15}}
 
 
 
Samwell is hopeful that their voyage will lead to a "happy ending" for Gilly. Certain that Gilly will be safe at Horn Hill, with most of [[Westeros|the continent]] standing between her and the horrors of the [[Haunted Forest]]. He is also certain that life as a serving maid to Horn Hill will be more comfortable than her life at Craster's Keep. She would be kept warm and well-fed, while her son grows up to become a man. He hopes that the boy could become a huntsman, a stablehand, a blacksmith, or a squire. {{Ref|aFfC|15}}
 
 
 
The passengers of the Blackbird share a single cabin, placed beneath its sterncastle. Within the cabin, Gilly breast-feeds "her son". Samwell is seasick, but still attempts to chat with her. He gives a brief description of Braavos and aspects of its life, hoping to get her excited. Gilly peers at him with flat, dull eyes. He takes note of her unwashed hair. Her short replies to him reveal no emotion. She them turns away from him. Samwell leaves the cabin. {{Ref|aFfC|15}}
 
 
 
For ten days, the Blackbird crosses the [[Bay of Seals]]. For the duration of these days, Samwell keeps trying to cheer up Gilly. He fails. Gilly refuses to come up on deck, huddling in the dark below. The infant with them is also giving them trouble. The boy often wails loudly for brief periods, he vomits mother's milk, and constantly has diarrhea. Gilly has the boy wrapped up in furs, which keep getting stained. There is a notable stench in their cabin. {{Ref|aFfC|15}} As the days pass, Gilly keeps crying and breast-feeding. With no other apparent activity. {{Ref|aFfC|15}} Samwell has never seen Gilly in such a wretched state. She mostly tries to keep her face hidden and their cabin dark. But he can still see her red eyes and her cheeks wet with tears. She refuses to name her problem. {{Ref|aFfC|15}}
 
 
 
The Blackbird approaches the island of [[Skagos]]. Both Samwell and Dareon stand at the prow, conversing. Samwell observes that there are dangerous currents around the island, and perilous rocks. He warns Dareon to not mention the danger in front of Gilly. Dareon is fed up with both Gilly and the infant sobbing, and informs his companion of his frustration. He also comments on her lack of courage, which does not befit the reputation of the Wildlings. Samwell first defends her, then suggests that Dareon could sing lullabies to calm both mother and child. In reply, Dareon expresses his disgust with the infant and the smell of his diarrhea. {{Ref|aFfC|15}}
 
 
 
The following day, Samwell transports rain-soaked Aemon to their cabin. He finds Gilly curled up in a corner, sobbing softly. He asks for her help in taking care of the old man. She immediately rises to the occasion, helping him with undressing Aemon and covering him with furs. Samwell instructs Gilly to join Aemon under the covers, in an attempt to share body heat. Gilly complies with every request but never says a word, and keeps sniffling. Outside there is a storm, and the ship rolls with the waves. One such roll causes Gilly to wail in fear. Another throws her right into Samwell's arms. She tightens her grip around him, nearly suffocating him. {{Ref|aFfC|15}} Samwell tries to get Gilly to calm down. Claiming that her experience will make a fine adventure tale, something to narrate to her son. In reaction, Gilly digs her nails into his arms. She shudders, and then her body shakes with the violence of new sobs. Realizing that his words are having a negative effect, Samwell stays silent and holds the young woman tightly. His thoughts shift to her breasts pressing up against his body. He consequently gets an erection and is worried about her reaction to it. She clings to him and stays silent. {{Ref|aFfC|15}}
 
 
 
The Blackbird has left Skagos behind and enjoys eight days of smooth sailing. Then encounters a severe storm. Gilly keeps sobbing, while the infant shrieks. During a lull in the storm, Samwell overhears the crew muttering about Gilly. They consider her responsible for theil ill fate at sea, citing several reasons. Because its bad luck to bring a woman aboard, because this is a wildling woman, because this woman practiced incest with her father. The last act the crew considers worse than whoring, and worse than anything. A crewmember suggests getting rid of Gilly and her abomination, or else they will all drown at sea. Afterwards whenever Gilly leaves the cabin to pee, Samwell insists on escorting her. Bringing along his knife to protect her. {{Ref|aFfC|15}}
 
 
 
By this point, Dareon has nothing but contempt for Gilly. He once tried to follow Samwell's suggestion to sing a lullaby, trying to soothe the baby. Partway through the first verse, Gilly started sobbing inconsolably. This angered the singer, who complained that she could not even stop weeping long enough to listen to a song. He angrily suggests that Gilly needs a good spanking, or "a hard fuck". Samwell himself is at his wit's end with her constant sobbing. He finally asks Maester Aemon to help with the situation. Aemon points out an error in Samwell's perception of the situation. He has mistaken a mother's grief for fear. {{Ref|aFfC|15}} Aemon explains that the boy traveling with them is the Wildling Prince. Gilly's son has remained at the Wall. While Gilly loved both boys, she was convinced to abandon her own son. The one who convinced her to go along with this deception is Jon Snow, using either threats or promises. Samwell finally understands. Jon strived to protect the Wilding Prince from [[Melisandre]] and her flames, sacrificing "the abomination" in the process. If Melisandre burns Gilly's boy, only Gilly will care. Samwell contemplates everything that he and Gilly endured to rescue "the abomination", and that he himself had brought mother and child to Jon Snow. He finally concludes that there are no happy endings. {{Ref|aFfC|15}}
 
 
 
In [[Braavos]], the travelers reside in poverty at a local inn. Gilly's eyes remain red-rimmed and puffy. Her hair remains unwashed and tangled. Her overall appearance reminds Samwell of a wary animal, peering through a bush. Their last fire died out days before. But she still huddles near the hearth, seemingly seeking some lingering warmth within its cold ashes. Nearby, the Wildling Prince sleeps. In the evening, Samwell waits for the missing Dareon to return. Gilly reminds him that Dareon does not enjoy spending time with them, wallowing in sadness. He is out there seeking wine and smiles. {{Ref|aFfC|26}} Samwell recalls Dareon's other reason for distancing himself from the group. His attempts to play music in their room tend to wake the infant. The child then wails, Dareon shouts in frustration, and Gilly weeps. Concuding with the singer storming out and disappearing for days. He has already complained to Samwell that Gilly's sobs prevent him from sleeping. The frustrated singer would like to slap her. {{Ref|aFfC|26}}
 
 
 
Gilly feels disoriented at Braavos, not used to living within settlements. Her one attempt to bring water from a public fountain failed miserably. The maze of islands and canals scared and confused her. So did the crowds speaking in a language unknown to her. She had a map with her, which she soon lost. Then she lost herself in the streets. Samwell found her weeping at the feet of a statue. She does manage, however, to regularly fetch water from a nearby canal.  {{Ref|aFfC|26}} The [[Titan of Braavos]] signals nightfall, and the sound echoes across the city.It wakes up the Wildling Prince who wails again. In turn waking up Aemon. Gilly breast-feeds the infant, while Aemon converses with Samwell. Shortly after, Samwell steps out in search of Dareon. He instructs Gilly to bar the door of their room, ensuring that nobody enters without permission. Gilly nods in agreement, though her eyes are welling full of tears. She is about to weep again. Which motivates Samwell to hurry up and leave.  {{Ref|aFfC|26}}
 
 
 
In [[Braavos]], Maester Aemon, Samwell, Gilly, and the Wildling Prince board the [[Cinnamon Wind]], paying for their passage with a number of books from the vaults of Castle Black. Aemon dies aboard the ship, somewhere off the southern coast of [[Dorne]]. Gilly attends a funeral service for the old man. As Samwell concludes an eulogy with the term "And now his watch is ended", Gilly murmurs after him. She is cradling the infant in her arms. When Samwell weeps for his mentor, Gilly lets him cry upon her shoulder. There are tears in her own eyes. {{Ref|aFfC|35}} During the journey, Gilly had attempted to comfort Aemon by singing to him. Singing a nonsense song, taught to her by Craster's other wives. The song brought a smile to the old man's lips and helped him fall asleep. {{Ref|aFfC|35}}
 
 
 
After the funeral, Samwell and Gilly jointly drink [[w:Rum|rum]] and chat. He expresses his regrets to Gilly. Regrets that they could not get Aemon to the Citadel, where the archmaesters could tend to him. Regrets that neither Jon, nor Samwell understood that the sea voyage would kill the frail, old man. Certain that Aemon could last another decade if left at Castle Black. Gilly reminds him that Aemon was already in danger at Castle Black. [[Melisandre]] wanted "king's blood" for her flames. Which is why both Aemon and the Wildling had been sent away, to escape Melisandre. Gilly explains to Samwell that Val and "Lord Snow" had jointly pressed her to take the Wildling Prince with her, and leave her own son behind. Thwarting Melisandre's plans. {{Ref|aFfC|35}}
 
 
 
Gilly goes on to narrate an event which took place the night before Aemon's death. Aemon asked her permission to hold the Wildling Prince. He rocked the infant in his arms, humming a song for the boy. When the infant reached up and touched his face, the old man had laughed. She offers to name the boy "Maester", after the old man. Samwell has to explain that [[Maesters|maester]] is a title, not a name. He suggests the name "Aemon" for the boy. Gilly agrees on the name, and points that his nickname should reflect his birth on a battlefield. She suggest naming him "Aemon Battleborn" or "Aemon Steelsong". {{Ref|aFfC|35}}
 
 
 
Long after their discussion started, Samwell realizes that Gilly is not carrying the Prince with her. She explains that she trusted the boy to the care of [[Kojja Mo]]. Gilly admits to have been initially afraid of the woman from the [[Summer Islands]]. Afraid of her black skin and white teeth. But she has grown to appreciate the kindness of the other woman. She genuinely likes the Summer Islander. Samwell privately contemplates that the upbringing of Gilly has played its part here. Gilly had grown up with Craster, a single terrifying man. But every other figure in her life was female. As a result, men still scare Gilly. While women seem easier to trust. {{Ref|aFfC|35}}
 
 
 
Gilly turns the conversation to liking "Sam" and liking rum. As they keep drinking, Samwell notes that the young woman's face seems flushed and red. After a while the drink has an effect on her. She complains that the ships is spinning round, clearly dizzy. Samwell has to escort her to the women's quarters, placed in the bow of the ship. Once there, Gilly kisses his mouth, while her hands pull the laces of his breeches. She is trying to seduce him. Samwell remembers his vows, and protests that they can not do this. Gilly replies that "We can". Her bear breasts seem to be a convincing argument and the couple start having sex. During their lovemaking, Gilly proclaims herself Sam's wife. Afterwards, she falls asleep with her arms around her new lover. {{Ref|aFfC|35}}
 
 
 
The following day, Samwell has no idea how to handle the situation. As they both perform work aboard the ship, he tries to avoid her. Gilly smiles at him, but he feels wretched as an oathbreaker. Near the end of his watch, [[Xhondo]] seizes him by the collar. The larger man delivers  to Kojja Mo, who has two options to offer Samwell. Either swim towards the Dornish shore, or return to Gilly.  She also offers some perspective on Gilly. Gilly may be a child in some ways, but is fully aware of his oaths and of the purpose of their voyage. She is fully aware that she can not keep Samwell by her side. But she has recently lost her father and husband, her mother, her sisters, her home. Her entire world. All she currently has is Samwell and the infant. Gilly simply wants Samwell to serve as her lover for a little while. Later, Samwell explains himself to Gilly. That he would choose her as a wife over princesses and noblewomen. But he has sworn an oath before a weirwood. Gilly admits that the trees watch over them. But points out that for the time being there are no trees around, only water. {{Ref|aFfC|35}}
 
 
 
The Cinnamon Wind crosses the [[Redwyne Straits]]. The crew has been warned that these waters are infested with raiders from the [[Iron Islands]]. The Ironborn have sacked [[Ryamsport]], and placed bases in [[Vinetown]] and [[Starfish Harbor]]. But only a single longship threatens their ship, and their archers convince the Ironborn to seek their prey elsewhere. As the ships enters the [[Whispering Sound]], Gilly, Samwell, and the Wildling Prince stand at its prow. Samwell points out a castle on the cliffs to Gilly. Identifying it as the [[Three Towers]], seat of [[House Costayne]]. Gilly is impressed by its height. Samwell tells about an even taller structure, the [[Hightower]]. The Wildling Prince begins to cry, hungry again. Gilly begins to breast-feed the boy. She smiles at him and strokes his hair. Samwell realizes that Gilly has come to love her foster son. {{Ref|aFfC|45}}
 
 
 
As the ship approaches Oldtown there are further news of Ironborn activities in the area. Samwell starts doubting whether Horn Hill will remain safe from the raiders. He is worried about the safety of Gilly and the Wildling Prince in the midst of war. He privately examines three options with their pros and cons. The first option is to take Gilly with him to Oldtown. The city's defenses are far more formidable than those of Horn Hill. But the Citadel does not allow their novices to keep wives or [[paramour]]s, a practice which would require Samwell to find a way to hide her. The second option is to convince Kojja Mo and [[Quhuru Mo]] to take Gilly with them to the Summer Islands. She would be far from the war there. But first the Cinnamon Wind would have to risk facing the Ironborn again. In case of failure in naval battle, Gilly could end up a [[thrall]] or a [[salt wife]]. The third option is to lead Gilly to Horn Hill. But to personally inspect the castle and its garrison, estimating their capability to face a siege. {{Ref|aFfC|45}}
 
 
 
A few days following their sighting of the Three Towers, the Cinnamon Wind reaches Oldtown. Samwell explains his initial plan to Gilly. First to contact the Citadel, bringing to the archmaesters Jon's letters and his own report on the death of Aemon. Then to arrange for horses and a wagon for Gilly. Sending her to Horn Hill in the care of his mother, [[Melessa Florent]]. He expects that this second part could take him until the next day to arrange. Gilly repeats his last words, then kisses him for luck. Samwell next asks permission to keep Gilly aboard until his return. Kojja Mo ascertains that Gilly is welcome to stay as long as she likes. {{Ref|aFfC|45}}
 
 
 
In the Citadel, Samwell converses with [[Alleras]]. The novice asks for information on Maester Aemon. Samwell initially intents to only mention the basic background of their mission to Oldtown. But ends up informing Alleras of Gilly and of their experiences over the last year. {{Ref|aFfC|45}} <ref> Alleras also inadvertently receives information on [[Stannis Baratheon]], [[Melisandre]], [[Mance Rayder]], the [[Free Folk]], the [[Others]] and their wights, [[Paul|Small Paul]], [[Coldhands]], [[Jon Snow]], the [[Blackbird]], [[Dareon]], [[Braavos]], the dragons of [[Qarth]] ([[Drogon]], [[Rhaegal]], and [[Viserion]]), the [[Cinnamon Wind]], and [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. Samwell only avoids any mention of [[Bran Stark]] and his companions, as well as any mention of a baby swap between the [[Wildling prince|Wildling Prince]] and [[the abomination]]. </ref>
 
 
 
===A Dance with Dragons===
 
 
 
In [[Castle Black]], [[Stannis Baratheon]] and [[Jon Snow]] have a meeting. Jon reports recent rumors that Stannis plans to grant lands and castles to [[Rattleshirt]] and [[Sigorn]], [[Magnar]] of [[Thenn]]. He cites Gilly as his source on the matter. Stannis is unfamiliar with this name. [[Melisandre]] informs him that Gilly is their wetnurse, who has been granted freedom of movement. Stannis complains that he never gave Gilly freedom to spead tales. He will have to request her to offer more milk and fewer messages. {{Ref|aDwD|3}}
 
 
 
Jon informs Stannis of his plans to send Gilly south, having her board the next ship to leave [[Eastwatch-by-the-Sea]]. He claims that Gilly is one more useless mouth for Castle Black. Melisandre intervenes, pointing that Gilly provides milk for the [[Wildling prince|Wildling Prince]]. She also points that Jon's plan will separate two milk brothers, a rather cruel act. Jon claims that [[the abomination]] is a larger and more robust baby than the Prince, taking after his father [[Craster]]. And that he kicks and pinches his fellow infant. {{Ref|aDwD|3}}
 
 
 
Stannis is confused at the mention of Craster as the father of Gilly's child. He was under the impression that the wetnurse was Craster's daughter, not his wife. Jon clarifies that Gilly was both daughter and wife to Craster. Stannis seems shocked, finally getting the background of his wetnurse. He agrees that they will have to get rid of Gilly. Jon offers to search for a replacement among the [[Free Folk|wildlings]] and the [[Northern mountain clans]]. {{Ref|aDwD|3}} <ref>The events of aDwD, Chapter 3 precede those of aFfC, Chapter 5.</ref>
 
 
 
Gilly waits outside the private quarters of Jon Snow, who has summoned her there. [[Eddison Tollett]] informs Jon of her arrival, and then is tasked with also summoning [[Samwell Tarly]]. Gilly goes to her knees before "Lord Snow". He draws her back on her feet, informing her that people only kneel before kings. {{Ref|aDwD|7}} He enquires on the health of the two infants. Gilly replies that she was initially afraid that her milk would be insufficient to feed both babies. But adds that she was wrong in this regard. Both babies are well-fed and are growing strong. {{Ref|aDwD|7}}
 
 
 
Jon changes the subject, announcing that he has something hard to tell her. Gilly thinks that the Lord Commander has bad news concerning the fate of [[Mance Rayder]]. She mentions the efforts of [[Val]] to rescue the life of her brother-in-law, even offering in exchange to marry a "kneeler". She also mentions that the life of [[Rattleshirt]] is to be spared. Jod admits that Mance is probably facing a death sentence. But corrects Gilly, their conversation will not be about Mance. Their subject will be his son, the Wildling Prince. This scares Gilly, who fears that Melisandre will burn the innocent boy. She asks Jon to save the Prince. He replies that only one person can save the Prince, Gilly herself. {{Ref|aDwD|7}}
 
 
 
The subject comes to his plan about swapping the babies. Jon fully expects her to be defiant. To curse him, to attack him, to attempt to claw out his eyes. Instead, Gilly shakes her head and pleads "no". Jon presses her, making her responsible for the fate of the Prince. Stating as a matter of fact that Melisandre needs "king's blood" for her spells, and that she will eventually burn the infant. Gilly weeps softly. She offers to leave Castle Black, taking both children with her. Intent on not leaving her own son behind. Jon points the obvious flow in her plan. The [[Queen's Men]] would ride after them. The boy will still burn, the only difference being that Gilly will join him in the pyre. {{Ref|aDwD|7}}
 
 
 
As Jon keeps pressing her, Gilly offers her arguments against his own plan. Mothers who abandon their sons are forever cursed, a fate which she wants to avoid. She mentions all her previous efforts to rescue the abomination from the cold. Jon then compares a "peaceful" death in freezing to death against a violent, painful death in burning to death. He asks Gilly to place her hand on the flame of a nearby candle. With her body trembling, Gilly briefly touches the flame and feels pain. Jon has demonstrated what kind of death the Prince will face. Then reminds Gilly of her responsibility to the Prince, a boy which she nourished and cherished. In his words, she had saved one boy from the ice. She now has to save the other from the fire. {{Ref|aDwD|7}}
 
 
 
Gilly protests that the plan will result in Melisandre burning her own son. Jon states that the abomination is safe in not having "king's blood". Melisandre will gain nothing in claiming his life. Stannis will not burn an innocent. At least not if the act earns him nothing and costs him the loyalty of the wildlings. Then Jon Snow offers a future for the boy, promising to raise him at Castle. Offering his ward protection, and training in hunting, horse-riding, use of weapons (sword, axe, and bow), reading and writing. Gilly, still in tears, points that this future results in her son becoming a "crow" of the [[Night's Watch]]. Jon next threatens her. If the Prince dies, the abomination dies on the same day. He will make sure of it. The threat has an effect. Gilly is silent, but sits hunched and shrunken. {{Ref|aDwD|7}}
 
 
 
Jon next dismisses Gilly, warning her to not speak of their meeting to anyone else. He orders her to be ready to depart early on the following day. Stating that his men will come for her, a vaguely threatening expression. Pale and silent, Gilly gets on her feet. She departs without even looking at him. Following her departure, Jon can still hear her footsteps. She is rushing away, almost running. Moments later, Samwell Tarly appears. The events of his meeting with Jon are retold, this time from the perspective of Jon Snow. {{Ref|aDwD|7}} <ref>The events of aDwD, Chapter 7 are tied to those of aFfC, Chapter 5. The meeting of Jon Snow and Gilly directly precedes that of Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly. The second meeting is described from two different perspectives. </ref> Jon Snow tells his story that Gilly was send by Val to plead for the life of Mance Rayder. His thoughts clarify that this is a lie, told to explain  the tears of Gilly. Jon becomes increasingly impatient with Samwell during their conversation. His thoughs explain the reason. After a difficult meeting with Gilly, Jon Snow has no patience when it comes to the fears of his old friend. {{Ref|aDwD|7}}
 
 
 
At night, Jon has a nightmare involving Gilly. The young woman weeps, pleading with him to leave her babes alone. In the dream, Jon rips the children from her arms and decapitates them both. Then swaps around the severed heads, instructing Gilly to sew them back in place. {{Ref|aDwD|7}}
 
 
 
The following morning the travelers prepare to depart for Eastwatch. Events are depicted from the perspective of Jon Snow. He notes the red eyes of Gilly, evidence of her crying. But he is unsure if the boy in her arms is the Wildling Prince or the abomination. He is aware that Gilly's son is the elder of the two, while the Prince is more robust. But they are close enough in age and size to confuse him. He hopes that this will also be true of other observers, at least those not particularly familiar with the boys.  {{Ref|aDwD|7}} He sees Gilly movement while climbing into the wayn as rather slow and reluctant. Evidence of Gilly being in no haste to leave. {{Ref|aDwD|7}}<ref>The departure is also depicted in aFfC, Chapter 5. The events are described from two different perspectives. </ref> Jon Snow observes the column of horsemen and wayns leaving. Standing there until the column vanishes into the distance of the horizon. There is heavy snowfall. Eddison then reminds him of arranged meetings with first [[Bedwyck]], and then [[Janos Slynt]]. {{Ref|aDwD|7}}
 
 
 
Jon Snow witnesses the execution of "Mance Rayder" (Rattleshirt). Val stands on a nearby platform, neither weeping, nor looking away from the flames. Jon thinks that "the women are the strong ones". His thoughts turn first to [[Ygritte]], then to Gilly. He is certain that Gilly will curse him with her dying breath, though this was the only way to keep the Wildling Prince alive. He fears, however, that his efforts to keep Samwell, [[Maester Aemon]], Gilly, and the Prince alive might have backfired. Recent messages from Eastwatch report of savage storms, spreading over the [[narrow sea]]. He fears that the [[Blackbird]] has sunk and its passengers serve as food for the [[w:Crab|crabs]]. {{Ref|aDwD|10}} Jon recalls a recent dream of his. The dream depicted Samwell drowning, Ygritte dying from an arrow wound, and Gilly weeping tears of blood. {{Ref|aDwD|10}}
 
 
 
The Blackbird has yet to return to Eastwatch. The [[Storm Crow]] locates the wreckage of a galley, in an area by the coast of [[Skagos]]. They are unable to determine if these are the remains of the Blackbird, or another ship. The area was also frequented by [[mercenary|sellsails]] and traders. The crew of the Storm Crow report their findings to [[Cotter Pyke]], who in turn sends a report to Jon Snow. Jon wonders whether he had send Gilly and the Prince to their graves. {{Ref|aDwD|21}}
 
 
 
==Quotes==
 
{{Quote|''"The cold gods. The ones in the night. The white shadows."'' {{Ref|aCoK|23}}}} On [[Craster]]'s gods.
 
 
 
{{Quote|''"Blue. As bright as blue stars, and as cold. "'' {{Ref|aCoK|23}}}} Describing the eyes of the [[Others]].
 
 
 
{{Quote|''"He's come for the babe. He smells him. A babe fresh-born stinks o'life. He's come for the life"''{{Ref|aSoS|46}}}} On what attracts a wight to her son.
 
 
 
==Quotes about Gilly==
 
 
 
{{Quote|''"She is a child in some ways, but she is not blind. She knows why you wear the black, why you go to [[Oldtown]]. She knows she cannot keep you. She wants you for a little while, is all. She lost her father and her husband, her mother and her sisters, her home, her world. All she has is you, and the babe. "''{{Ref|aFfC|35}}}} [[Kojja Mo]], explaining Gilly's perspective to [[Samwell Tarly]].
 
 
 
==References and Notes==
 
{{references|2}}
 
 
 
[[Category:Wildlings]]
 
[[Category:Characters from the North]]
 
[[es:Elí]][[fr:Vère]][[ru:Лилли]][[zh:&#21513;&#33673;]]
 

Revision as of 00:41, 10 October 2019

Gilly
Gilly by pojypojy.jpg
Gilly, by pojypojy

Alias the rabbit keeper[1]
Culture Free folk
Born either 282 AC, 283 AC or 284 AC[2]
Craster's Keep
Spouse Craster
Issue Monster
Books

Played by Hannah Murray
TV series Season 2 | Season 3 | Season 4 | Season 5 | Season 6 | Season 7 | Season 8

Gilly is a wildling girl, the daughter and youngest wife of Craster. She has a son fathered by Craster. In the television adaptation Game of Thrones she is portrayed by Hannah Murray.

Appearance and Character

See also: Images of Gilly

Gilly has a pale, gaunt face,[3][4] dark hair, and big brown doe-eyes.[5][6] Even after giving birth, Gilly retains a slim figure.[6] She is regarded as pretty.[6] According to Jon Snow, Gilly is somewhat childlike in appearance.[7] She smells of milk, garlic and musty old fur.[3] She has a soft and shy voice.[8] After leaving Craster's Keep, Gilly frequently dresses in Samwell's old black cloak.[6]

Samwell Tarly considers Gilly to be "good and kind".[8] Having been raised by the abusive Craster and not having known any other men for a long time, Gilly is far more comfortable around other women.[9]

According to Samwell, Gilly is "very brave", able to keep going no matter the obstacles on the way.[3] He believes she has more courage than she knows herself,[6] and claims Gilly is stronger than she looks.[8]

She dislikes being called a "lady", claiming she is "Craster's wife and Craster's daughter, and a mother" instead.[6]

History

Gilly was born to Craster and one of his many wives. She was named for the gillyflower.[1][4][N 1]

Gilly's mother raised her to be honest, and beat the lying out of her when she was still very young.[10] She lived the first decade and a half of her life without seeing anything other than Craster's Keep and the woods around it, never going further than half a league away.[11][12] Although familiar with streams and rivers, she never saw a lake.[11]

When Gilly was old enough, at some point during the summer, she married her father. On the day of their wedding, they drank the sweetest mead.[3] At some point after the wedding, Gilly became pregnant with Craster's child.[1] By 299 AC, Gilly is Craster's youngest wife.[13]

Recent Events

A Clash of Kings

Hannah Murray as Gilly at Craster's Keep (Game of Thrones)

When the Night's Watch stops at Craster's Keep on Jeor Mormont's ranging, she encounters and befriends Samwell Tarly. She is pregnant with Craster's child, and fears that if she gives birth to a son, Craster will sacrifice him to the Others. She beseeches Samwell to help her, and Samwell agrees, sending her to Jon Snow, to the annoyance of the latter.[1]

A Storm of Swords

After the attack on the Fist of the First Men, as the survivors of the Night's Watch march to Craster's Keep to regroup, Gilly gives birth to a son.[10] Craster is killed by a group of mutineers before he can sacrifice the child, and in the confusion Gilly flees south with Samwell.[10] At some point, Gilly and Samwell take shelter in a wildling village, where they are attacked by wights while staying in the village's longhall. Gilly flees outside with her child while Samwell holds off the undead Small Paul, but there she is cornered against a weirwood tree by other wights.[N 2] Gilly, her son, and Samwell are saved by Coldhands,[3] who takes them to the Nightfort.[4] There, Gilly, the babe, and Samwell cross the Wall through the Black Gate. At the Nightfort, they encounter Bran Stark, Jojen and Meera Reed, Hodor, and Summer, who they sent to Coldhands.[4] From the Nightfort, they walk to Deep Lake and Queensgate on the narrow track running between the castles on the south side of the Wall. A day and a half from Castle Black, they are found by Ser Denys Mallister from the Shadow Tower and his riders.[8] After arriving at Castle Black, Gilly serves as a wet nurse to the son of Mance Rayder[8] since Dalla, Mance's wife, has died in childbirth.[14][8]

Samwell suggests to Jon Snow that he could write a letter to his father claiming that Gilly's child is his own, with the intention of finding Gilly and her boy a safe place at Horn Hill, his father's castle.[8]

A Feast for Crows

Samwell Tarly and Gilly traveling to Oldtown, by cabepfir

Gilly is called before Jon Snow, now the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, who tells her that she is to leave Castle Black and take Mance Rayder's child with her, leaving her own behind at Castle Black. Gilly insists on taking both children, but Jon refuses to allow it. He threatens her, telling her that if she refuses to take Dalla's boy, the day Melisandre gives him to the flames, her own son will die as well.[7] Gilly leaves Jon's chambers in tears.[6] Jon later tells Samwell Tarly that he is sending Gilly and her son away, and that Samwell is to accompany them, together with Dareon and Maester Aemon, to Oldtown. As Gilly departs the next morning, he swears to her that he will find a wet nurse for her child, and promises not to name the boy until he reaches the age of two as per wildling tradition.[6] Gilly and her companions board the Blackbird at Eastwatch-by-the-sea, bound for Braavos. For much of the journey Gilly is overcome with grief at being separated from her child.[11][12] Although he is blind, Maester Aemon is the only one to realize that Gilly's tears are not out of fear of the journey, but out of grief of losing her child, and horrifies Samwell with the revelation.[11] At Braavos, Gilly once gets lost while trying to find water at one of the public fountains of the city, being frightened by her surroundings and the strangers in the city. Samwell eventually finds her weeping beneath the statue of a long-dead Sealord.[12]

Gilly, Samwell, Aemon, and the babe eventually board the Cinnamon Wind and leave Braavos. During this part of the journey Gilly starts to give her grief a place,[9] and comes to love Dalla's child as much as she loves her own.[15] Aemon dies during their journey; the night before his death, he asks Gilly if he can hold the babe and she complies, although she is afraid the old man will drop the child. She is present on deck with Samwell during Aemon's funeral service, and when Samwell comments on Jon's decision to send the ancient maester on a journey by sea, Gilly tells him that Aemon's king's blood endangered his safety at Castle Black, and that Jon had send both Aemon and Dalla's babe away to save them.[9] She also says they could name Dalla's baby after Aemon, once he reaches two years old. Gilly later sleeps with a grieving Samwell, who is deeply regretful as he is sworn to the vows of the Night's Watch. When he tells her that he swore vows before a heart tree, Gilly tells him that there are no trees on the water to watch at what they do.[9]

Upon their arrival at Oldtown, Samwell announces his intention to arrange horses and a wagon for Gilly to travel to Horn Hill, Samwell's childhood home.[15] Samwell first travels to the Citadel, however, and Gilly awaits his return upon the Cinnamon Wind.[15]

Family

 
 
 
Man of the
Night's Watch
 
Free folk
woman
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown
wife
 
 
Craster
 
 
 
Nella
 
Dyah
 
Ferny
 
14 other
wives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gilly
 
 
 
 
6 sons
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Monster"
 


Notes

  1. The term "gillyflower" traditionally describes a number of unrelated species of scented flowering plants. The most notable of them are Dianthus caryophyllus (also known as "carnation" or "clove pink"), Matthiola incana ("stock" or "hoary stock"), Erysimum cheiri ("cheiranthus" or "wallflower"), Hesperis matronalis ("night-scented gilliflower" or "mother-of-the-evening"), Saponaria officinalis ("soapwort" or "bouncing bet"), and Armeria maritima ("thrift" or "sea pink").
  2. Including Lark the Sisterman, Softfoot, Ryles, Chett, and presumably Hake.

References