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[[File:The Hightower at Oldtown.jpg|350px|right|thumb|The Hightower at Oldtown by [http://www.tednasmith.com/ Ted Nasmith] ©.]]
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[[File:The Hightower at Oldtown.jpg|350px|right|thumb|The Hightower at [[Oldtown]], by [http://www.tednasmith.com/ Ted Nasmith] ©]]
  
 
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| caption = The [[Reach]] and the location of the Hightower
 
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The '''Hightower''' or '''High Tower''' is the seat of [[House Hightower]], one of the most powerful families of [[the Reach]].{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}} The castle and lighthouse is located in the port of [[Oldtown]] atop [[Battle Island]], where the [[Honeywine]] widens into [[Whispering Sound]].{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}}
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The '''Hightower''' or '''High Tower''' is the seat of [[House Hightower]], one of the most powerful families of the [[Reach]].{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}} The castle and lighthouse is located in the port of [[Oldtown]] atop [[Battle Isle]], where the [[Honeywine]] widens into [[Whispering Sound]].{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}}
  
According to a semi-canon source, the Hightower stands in the center of Oldtown, the city having grown around it. It is a massive stepped tower with a beacon on top to guide ships into port. It is the tallest structure in the [[Seven Kingdoms]],<ref>So Spake Martin: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Arryns_and_the_Hightower The Arryns and the Hightower], (May 9, 1999)</ref> even higher than the seven-hundred-foot [[Wall]].{{ref|AWOIAF| Hightower}} The people of Oldtown can tell the time of day by the tower's shadow, and some claim that the Wall can be seen from its top.{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}}
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==Layout==
 +
According to a semi-canon source, the Hightower is a massive stepped tower with a beacon on top to guide ships into port.<ref name=SSM>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Arryns_and_the_Hightower The Arryns and the Hightower (May 9, 1999)]</ref>The color of the beacon's fire is changeable, as green flame can be used to call [[House Hightower]]'s banners.{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} The labyrinthine square fortress of unadorned [[black stone]] at the castle's foundation contains gloomy halls, vaults, and chambers.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} The Hightower contains a high hall.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} The top of the tower contains the apartments of the [[Lord of the Hightower]].{{ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}} Deep vaults are located underground.{{ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
  
It is speculated by fans that the Hightower is one of the nine ''[[Wonders Made by Man]]'' written about by [[Lomas Longstrider]].<ref>The Citadel: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/FAQ/Entry/Which_are_the_16_wonders_of_the_world/ Which are the 16 wonders of the world?]</ref>  
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The Hightower is the tallest structure in the [[Seven Kingdoms]],<ref name=SSM/> even higher than the seven-hundred-foot [[Wall]],{{ref|AWOIAF|Hightower}} and it is the tallest tower in the [[known world]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach}} The people of Oldtown can tell the time of day by the tower's shadow, and some claim that the Wall can be seen from its top.{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}} [[Casterly Rock]], however, is three times taller than the Hightower or the Wall.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Westerlands: Casterly Rock}}
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 +
It is speculated by fans that the Hightower is one of the nine ''[[Wonders Made by Man]]'' written about by [[Lomas Longstrider]].<ref>The Citadel: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/FAQ/Entry/Which_are_the_16_wonders_of_the_world/ Which are the 16 wonders of the world?]</ref>
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===Black Stone Fortress===
 
===Black Stone Fortress===
The foundation of the Hightower is a labyrinthine fortress of unadorned [[black stone]] of uncertain origin on [[Battle Isle]]. While some believe it to be [[Valyria]]n in origin, Archmaester [[Quillion]] suggests it was made by the [[mazemakers]] and  Maester [[Theron Pyke|Theron]] suggests it was created by [[Deep Ones]], citing its similarities to the [[Seastone Chair]]. Valyrian origin is supported by the claim of Maester [[Jellicoe]] that Oldtown began as a trading post for ships of Valyria, [[Old Ghis]], and the [[Summer Isles]], predating the arrival of the [[First Men]] to [[Westeros]]. Septon [[Barth]] also claimed Valyrians came to Westeros because their priests prophesied that the [[Doom of Man]] would come out of the land beyond the [[narrow sea]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: Oldtown}}
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The foundation of the Hightower is a fortress of [[black stone]] of uncertain origin on [[Battle Isle]]. The stone is reminiscent of [[Valyrian roads]] and the [[Black Walls]] of [[Volantis]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} A possible [[Valyria]]n origin is supported by the claim of Maester [[Jellicoe]] that Oldtown began as a trading post for ships of Valyria, [[Old Ghis]], and the [[Summer Isles]], predating the arrival of the [[First Men]] to [[Westeros]]. Septon [[Barth]] claimed Valyrians came to Westeros because their priests prophesied that the [[Doom of Man]] would come out of the land beyond the [[narrow sea]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}
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 +
In contrast to the Valyrian theory, Archmaester [[Quillion]] suggests the fortress was made by the [[mazemakers]]. Maester [[Theron Pyke|Theron]] suggests it was created by [[Deep Ones]], citing its similarities to the [[Seastone Chair]]. Some [[smallfolk]] believe the Hightower simply appeared.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}
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===House Hightower===
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[[House Hightower]] of the Hightower is an ancient and noble family of impeccable lineage,{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} as they were [[First Men]] kings during the [[Dawn of Days]].{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}} Dwelling in the chambers of the fortress, the family built a wooden beacon tower rising some fifty feet above to light the way for trading vessels in foggy [[Whispering Sound]]. This first "high tower" was followed by taller timber towers.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}
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King [[Uthor of the High Tower]] paid for the construction of a stone tower. Some say this fifth tower, which rose two hundred feet above the harbor and made the castle a seat worthy of a [[great house]], was designed by [[Bran the Builder]], while others say it was by his son, [[Brandon Stark (son of Bran the Builder)|another Brandon]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}
  
===Kings of the High Tower===
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[[Gyles I Gardener]], [[King of the Reach]], sacked [[Oldtown]] but was unable to capture the Hightower.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} The Hightower and Oldtown were incorporated into the Kingdom of the Reach during the rule of the Sea Lion, [[Lymond Hightower]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: The Gardener Kings}} Lord [[Jason Hightower]] rebuilt the tower a hundred feet higher.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}
[[House Hightower]] of the Hightower is an ancient and noble family of impeccable lineage,{{ref|TRP}} as they were [[First Men]] kings during the [[Dawn of Days]].{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}} The first chronicles that mention a "high tower" describe it as made of wood and rising some fifty feet above the ancient fortress. Later records mention taller timber towers. All of these served as a beacon to light the path of trading ships passing through the fog-shrouded waters of Whispering Sound. The early members of House Hightower lived amidst the gloomy halls, vaults, and chambers of the black stone fortress. It was only with the construction of the fifth tower, the first made entirely of stone, that the Hightower became a seat worthy of a great house. The king who demanded it and paid for its construction is remembered as [[Uthor of the High Tower]]. Some say this first stone tower, which rose two hundred feet above the harbor, was designed by [[Bran the Builder]], while others say it was by his son, [[Brandon Stark (son of Bran the Builder)|another Brandon]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: Oldtown}}
 
  
The Hightower and Oldtown were incorporated into the [[Kingdom of the Reach]] during the rule of the Sea Lion, [[Lymond Hightower]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: The Gardener Kings}}
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[[Roland I Arryn]], [[King of Mountain and Vale]], was inspired to build the [[Eyrie]] after visiting the Hightower and [[Casterly Rock]].{{ref|FAB|The Vale: The Eyrie}}
  
 
===Modern Era===
 
===Modern Era===
During the [[War of Conquest]], Lord [[Banfred Hightower]] heeded the [[High Septon (War of Conquest)|High Septon]], who prophesied that the Hightower would burn with the rest of Oldtown if the city resisted the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]]. When [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] arrived at Oldtown on [[dragon]]back, Lord Hightower opened his gates. Aegon spared the city, and the High Septon anointed him and acknowledged Aegon's right to rule the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{ref|AFFC|28}}
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During [[Aegon's Conquest]], Lord [[Manfred Hightower (Aegon's Conquest)|Manfred Hightower]] heeded the [[High Septon (Aegon's Conquest)|High Septon]], who prophesied that the Hightower would burn with the rest of [[Oldtown]] if the city resisted the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]]. When [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] arrived at Oldtown on [[dragon]]back, Lord Hightower opened his gates. Aegon spared the city, and the High Septon anointed him and acknowledged Aegon's right to rule the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{ref|AFFC|28}}
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[[Ceryse Hightower]] returned to the Hightower in {{date|39}} when her husband, Prince [[Maegor I Targaryen]], fled to [[Pentos]] in exile with his second wife, [[Alys Harroway]]. After becoming king, Maegor, reconciled with Ceryse in {{date|43}} and a great feast was held at the Hightower.{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
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When King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] and Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]] visited Oldtown in {{date|54}}, the queen landed [[Silverwing]] atop the Hightower. The royal couple resided in the apartments of Lord [[Donnel Hightower]] at the top of the tower during their stay.{{ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
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Maester [[Alfador]] served at the Hightower during the reign of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]].{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
  
During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Lord [[Ormund Hightower]]'s young sons remained at the Hightower while Ormund led an army for [[the greens]].{{ref|TPATQ}}
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During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Lord [[Ormund Hightower]]'s young sons remained at the Hightower while Ormund led an army for the [[greens]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Ser [[Tyland Lannister]], the [[master of coin]] for King [[Aegon II Targaryen]], shipped a quarter of the Crown's treasury to safekeeping in the Hightower.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} After the war, [[Samantha Tarly]] became the lover of Lord [[Lyonel Hightower]] and the mistress of the Hightower.{{ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} The fleet of Lord [[Alyn Velaryon]] used the Hightower's beacon to guide them during their journey toward the [[Sunset Sea]]. Alyn Oakenfist stayed at the castle with Lyonel and Sam during his visit to Oldtown.{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}
  
 
Lord [[Leyton Hightower]], the Old Man of Oldtown, has not descended from the Hightower in more than a decade.{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}}
 
Lord [[Leyton Hightower]], the Old Man of Oldtown, has not descended from the Hightower in more than a decade.{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}}
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While sailing on the ''[[Cinnamon Wind]]'' to Oldtown, [[Gilly]] is impressed with the size of [[Three Towers]], but [[Samwell Tarly]] tells her to wait until she sees the Hightower. When they reach Oldtown, the morning fog is so thick that the Hightower's beacon is the only part of the city visible.{{ref|AFFC|45}}
 
While sailing on the ''[[Cinnamon Wind]]'' to Oldtown, [[Gilly]] is impressed with the size of [[Three Towers]], but [[Samwell Tarly]] tells her to wait until she sees the Hightower. When they reach Oldtown, the morning fog is so thick that the Hightower's beacon is the only part of the city visible.{{ref|AFFC|45}}
  
Lord [[Leyton Hightower]] and his daughter, the Mad Maid [[Malora Hightower|Malora]], are said to have locked themselves atop the Hightower, consulting books of spells in response to the [[ironborn]] attacks on [[the Reach]].{{ref|AFFC|45}}
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Lord [[Leyton Hightower]] and his daughter, the Mad Maid [[Malora Hightower|Malora]], are said to have locked themselves atop the Hightower, consulting books of spells in response to the [[ironborn]] attacks on the [[Reach]].{{ref|AFFC|45}}
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
{{quote|The distant beacon of the Hightower floated in the damp of night like a hazy orange moon.{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}}}} - thoughts of [[Pate (novice)|Pate]]
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{{quote|The distant beacon of the Hightower floated in the damp of night like a hazy orange moon.{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}}|thoughts of [[Pate (novice)|Pate]]}}
  
==References and Notes==
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{{quote|From where it stood atop the bluffs of [[Battle Island]], its shadow cut [[Oldtown|the city]] like a sword.{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}}|thoughts of [[Pate (novice)|Pate]]}}
{{references|2}}
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==References==
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{{references}}
  
 
{{region Reach}}
 
{{region Reach}}
  
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[[Category:Castles]]
 
[[Category:House Hightower]]
 
[[Category:House Hightower]]
 
[[Category:Lighthouses]]
 
[[Category:Lighthouses]]
[[Category:Castles]]
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[[Category:Oldtown]]
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[[Category:Places in the Reach]]
 
[[Category:Towers]]
 
[[Category:Towers]]
[[Category:Places in the Reach]]
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[[Category:Oldtown]]
 
 
[[es:Torrealta]]
 
[[es:Torrealta]]
 
[[fr:Grand-Tour de Villevieille]]
 
[[fr:Grand-Tour de Villevieille]]
 
[[zh:参天塔]]
 
[[zh:参天塔]]

Revision as of 11:36, 8 October 2022

The Hightower at Oldtown, by Ted Nasmith ©
The Reach and the location of the Hightower
The Reach and the location of the Hightower
The Hightower
The Reach and the location of the Hightower

The Hightower or High Tower is the seat of House Hightower, one of the most powerful families of the Reach.[1] The castle and lighthouse is located in the port of Oldtown atop Battle Isle, where the Honeywine widens into Whispering Sound.[2]

Layout

According to a semi-canon source, the Hightower is a massive stepped tower with a beacon on top to guide ships into port.[3]The color of the beacon's fire is changeable, as green flame can be used to call House Hightower's banners.[4] The labyrinthine square fortress of unadorned black stone at the castle's foundation contains gloomy halls, vaults, and chambers.[5] The Hightower contains a high hall.[6] The top of the tower contains the apartments of the Lord of the Hightower.[7] Deep vaults are located underground.[8]

The Hightower is the tallest structure in the Seven Kingdoms,[3] even higher than the seven-hundred-foot Wall,[9] and it is the tallest tower in the known world.[10] The people of Oldtown can tell the time of day by the tower's shadow, and some claim that the Wall can be seen from its top.[2] Casterly Rock, however, is three times taller than the Hightower or the Wall.[11]

It is speculated by fans that the Hightower is one of the nine Wonders Made by Man written about by Lomas Longstrider.[12]

History

Black Stone Fortress

The foundation of the Hightower is a fortress of black stone of uncertain origin on Battle Isle. The stone is reminiscent of Valyrian roads and the Black Walls of Volantis.[5] A possible Valyrian origin is supported by the claim of Maester Jellicoe that Oldtown began as a trading post for ships of Valyria, Old Ghis, and the Summer Isles, predating the arrival of the First Men to Westeros. Septon Barth claimed Valyrians came to Westeros because their priests prophesied that the Doom of Man would come out of the land beyond the narrow sea.[5]

In contrast to the Valyrian theory, Archmaester Quillion suggests the fortress was made by the mazemakers. Maester Theron suggests it was created by Deep Ones, citing its similarities to the Seastone Chair. Some smallfolk believe the Hightower simply appeared.[5]

House Hightower

House Hightower of the Hightower is an ancient and noble family of impeccable lineage,[13] as they were First Men kings during the Dawn of Days.[1] Dwelling in the chambers of the fortress, the family built a wooden beacon tower rising some fifty feet above to light the way for trading vessels in foggy Whispering Sound. This first "high tower" was followed by taller timber towers.[5]

King Uthor of the High Tower paid for the construction of a stone tower. Some say this fifth tower, which rose two hundred feet above the harbor and made the castle a seat worthy of a great house, was designed by Bran the Builder, while others say it was by his son, another Brandon.[5]

Gyles I Gardener, King of the Reach, sacked Oldtown but was unable to capture the Hightower.[5] The Hightower and Oldtown were incorporated into the Kingdom of the Reach during the rule of the Sea Lion, Lymond Hightower.[14] Lord Jason Hightower rebuilt the tower a hundred feet higher.[5]

Roland I Arryn, King of Mountain and Vale, was inspired to build the Eyrie after visiting the Hightower and Casterly Rock.[15]

Modern Era

During Aegon's Conquest, Lord Manfred Hightower heeded the High Septon, who prophesied that the Hightower would burn with the rest of Oldtown if the city resisted the Targaryens. When Aegon the Conqueror arrived at Oldtown on dragonback, Lord Hightower opened his gates. Aegon spared the city, and the High Septon anointed him and acknowledged Aegon's right to rule the Seven Kingdoms.[16]

Ceryse Hightower returned to the Hightower in 39 AC when her husband, Prince Maegor I Targaryen, fled to Pentos in exile with his second wife, Alys Harroway. After becoming king, Maegor, reconciled with Ceryse in 43 AC and a great feast was held at the Hightower.[4]

When King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and Queen Alysanne Targaryen visited Oldtown in 54 AC, the queen landed Silverwing atop the Hightower. The royal couple resided in the apartments of Lord Donnel Hightower at the top of the tower during their stay.[7]

Maester Alfador served at the Hightower during the reign of King Viserys I Targaryen.[13]

During the Dance of the Dragons, Lord Ormund Hightower's young sons remained at the Hightower while Ormund led an army for the greens.[17] Ser Tyland Lannister, the master of coin for King Aegon II Targaryen, shipped a quarter of the Crown's treasury to safekeeping in the Hightower.[17] After the war, Samantha Tarly became the lover of Lord Lyonel Hightower and the mistress of the Hightower.[8] The fleet of Lord Alyn Velaryon used the Hightower's beacon to guide them during their journey toward the Sunset Sea. Alyn Oakenfist stayed at the castle with Lyonel and Sam during his visit to Oldtown.[18]

Lord Leyton Hightower, the Old Man of Oldtown, has not descended from the Hightower in more than a decade.[2]

Recent Events

A Feast for Crows

Alekyne Florent, the attainted Lord of Brightwater, flees to Oldtown to seek refuge at the Hightower.[1]

While sailing on the Cinnamon Wind to Oldtown, Gilly is impressed with the size of Three Towers, but Samwell Tarly tells her to wait until she sees the Hightower. When they reach Oldtown, the morning fog is so thick that the Hightower's beacon is the only part of the city visible.[19]

Lord Leyton Hightower and his daughter, the Mad Maid Malora, are said to have locked themselves atop the Hightower, consulting books of spells in response to the ironborn attacks on the Reach.[19]

Quotes

The distant beacon of the Hightower floated in the damp of night like a hazy orange moon.[2]

—thoughts of Pate

From where it stood atop the bluffs of Battle Island, its shadow cut the city like a sword.[2]

—thoughts of Pate

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 A Feast for Crows, Appendix.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 A Feast for Crows, Prologue.
  3. 3.0 3.1 So Spake Martin: The Arryns and the Hightower (May 9, 1999)
  4. 4.0 4.1 Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Oldtown.
  6. Fire & Blood, The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I.
  8. 8.0 8.1 Fire & Blood, Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf.
  9. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Hightower.
  10. The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach.
  11. The World of Ice & Fire, The Westerlands: Casterly Rock.
  12. The Citadel: Which are the 16 wonders of the world?
  13. 13.0 13.1 Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession.
  14. The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: The Gardener Kings.
  15. Fire & Blood, The Vale: The Eyrie.
  16. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 28, Cersei VI.
  17. 17.0 17.1 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant.
  18. Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist.
  19. 19.0 19.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 45, Samwell V.