Difference between revisions of "House Bracken"

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{{Noble House  
 
{{Noble House  
| House_name         = House Bracken of Stone Hedge
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| House_name = House Bracken of Stone Hedge
| image         = [[File:Bracken_sigil_coat.png‎|250px]]
+
| image = [[File:House Bracken.svg‎|250px]]
 
| image_caption =  
 
| image_caption =  
| Coat_of_arms = Tenny, an esutcheon Or charged with a stallion salient gules
+
| Coat_of_arms = A red stallion upon a gold shield, on a brown field<br>''(Tenné, on an escutcheon or a stallion rampant gules)''
 
| Words =
 
| Words =
 
| Seat = [[Stone Hedge]]
 
| Seat = [[Stone Hedge]]
 
| Current_Lord = [[Jonos Bracken]]
 
| Current_Lord = [[Jonos Bracken]]
 
| Region = [[Riverlands]]
 
| Region = [[Riverlands]]
| Title =
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| Title = [[Lord of Stone Hedge]]{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}<br>[[River king]] (formerly)
 
| Heir =
 
| Heir =
| Overlord = [[House Baelish of Harrenhal]]
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| Overlord = [[House Tully]] (AGOT)<br>[[House Baelish of Harrenhal|House Baelish]] (ADWD)
 
| Ancestral_weapon =
 
| Ancestral_weapon =
| Cadet_branch =
+
| Cadet_branch = [[House Justman]]
| Founded_in =[[Age of Heroes]]
+
| Founded_in = [[Age of Heroes]]{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
 
| Founder =
 
| Founder =
 
| Died_out =
 
| Died_out =
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''House Bracken of Stone Hedge''' is an old house from [[Stone Hedge]] in the [[riverlands]], one of the main familes sworn to [[House Tully]]. They blazon their arms with a red stallion upon a golden escutcheon on brown.{{Ref|AFFC|33}}<ref>The Citadel. Heraldry: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Heraldry/Houses/4/ Houses in the Riverlands]</ref> Their words do not appear in the books.
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'''House Bracken of Stone Hedge''' is an old house from [[Stone Hedge]] in the [[riverlands]], one of the main families sworn to [[House Tully]] of [[Riverrun]]. They blazon their arms with a red stallion upon a golden escutcheon on brown.{{Ref|AFFC|33}}<ref>The Citadel. Heraldry: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Heraldry/Houses/4/ Houses in the Riverlands]</ref> Their words do not appear in the books.
  
The Bracken lands lie along the [[Red Fork]] of the [[Trident]].{{Ref|ASOS|1}}
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The Bracken lands lie along the [[Red Fork]] of the [[Trident]].{{Ref|ASOS|1}} They rule over wider domains and can field a much larger army than their overlord of [[House Tully]].{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
The Brackens have the blood of the [[First Men]] in their veins and were kings of the riverlands during the [[Age of Heroes]]. They have an old and bitter feud against their neighbors, the [[House Blackwood|Blackwoods]]. According to the Brackens, the Blackwoods were vassals who betrayed the Brackens and usurped their crown.{{ref|ADWD|48}}
+
===Age of Heroes===
 +
The Brackens have the blood of the [[First Men]] in their veins and were kings of the [[riverlands]] during the [[Age of Heroes]]. They have an old and bitter feud against their neighbors, the [[House Blackwood|Blackwoods]]. According to the Brackens, they were kings who ruled the [[Red Fork]] but were usurped by their vassals, the Blackwoods.{{Ref|ADWD|48}} According to the Blackwoods, however, the Brackens were petty lords and horse breeders who hired [[sellswords]] to usurp the Blackwood kings.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
  
The Brackens and Blackwoods allied together against the [[Andal invasion]], but they were defeated in the [[Battle of the Bitter River]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}} The feud has continued throughout the years, aided by House Bracken's change to the [[Faith of the Seven]] after the Andal invasion.<ref>So Spake Martin: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/P15 Blackwood-Bracken Feud and Coinage]</ref> The Blackwoods believe the Brackens poisoned the [[weirwood]] at [[Raventree Hall]].{{ref|ADWD|48}} [[Battle Valley]] and the village of [[Blackbuckle]] are part of the disputed land. There have been numerous peaces between the Brackens and Blackwoods, many sealed by marriage, but the feud always restarts.{{ref|aDwD|48}} Benedict Rivers was a bastard born from both houses who eventually became King [[Benedict I Justman]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}}
+
===Andal Riverlands===
 +
The Brackens and Blackwoods allied together against the [[coming of the Andals]], but the First Men families were defeated in the [[Battle of the Bitter River]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}} The feud has continued throughout the years, aided by House Bracken's conversion to the [[Faith of the Seven]] after the Andal victory.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1243 Blackwood-Bracken Feud and Coinage]</ref> The Blackwoods believe the Brackens poisoned the [[weirwood]] at [[Raventree Hall]].{{ref|ADWD|48}} [[Battle Valley]] and the village of [[Blackbuckle]] are part of the disputed land. There have been numerous peaces between the Brackens and Blackwoods, many sealed by marriage, but the feud always restarts.{{ref|aDwD|48}} Benedict Rivers was a bastard born from both houses who eventually became King [[Benedict I Justman]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
  
When Lady [[Agnes Blackwood]] led the resistance of the river lords to King [[Harwyn Hoare]], Lord [[Lothar Bracken]] attacked Agnes's army from behind. It is possible Lothar hoped to become [[King of the Trident]] after Harwyn defeated the [[Storm King]] [[Arrec Durrandon]], but [[House Hoare]] instead took the riverlands for themselves. Harwyn starved Lothar to death when he rose in rebellion.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}}
+
A Lord Bracken died in the fighting between the [[House Teague|Teagues]] and the [[Storm King]] [[Arlan III Durrandon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}}
  
House Bracken aided [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conquerer]] during his [[War of Conquest]] and rebelled against Harwyn's grandson, King [[Harren Hoare|Harren the Black]] of [[Harrenhal]].<ref>So Spake Martin: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/6592/ Chicon 7 Reading]</ref> The Brackens and the Blackwoods had been weakened by a private war a decade before the rebellion, however, and Aegon granted the new title of [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]] to Lord [[Edmyn Tully]] of [[Riverrun]].{{ref|TWOIAF}}
+
When Lady [[Agnes Blackwood]] led the resistance of the river lords to King [[Harwyn Hoare]], Lord [[Lothar Bracken]] attacked Agnes's army from behind. It is possible Lothar hoped to become [[King of the Trident]] after Harwyn defeated the [[Storm King]] [[Arrec Durrandon]], but [[House Hoare]] instead took the riverlands for themselves. Harwyn starved Lothar to death when he later rose in rebellion.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
  
A Bracken fought a duel with a Blackwood over [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] in {{date|112}}, but the princess eventually wed Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]].{{ref|TRP}}
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===Targaryen Era===
 +
House Bracken aided [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] during the [[Wars of Conquest]] and rebelled against Harwyn's grandson, King [[Harren Hoare|Harren the Black]] of [[Harrenhal]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/6592/ Chicon 7 Reading (September 02, 2012)]</ref> The Brackens and the Blackwoods had been weakened by a private war a decade before [[Aegon's Conquest]], however, and Aegon granted the new title of [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]] to Lord [[Edmyn Tully]] of [[Riverrun]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}} Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]] negotiated a double wedding between the Brackens and the Blackwoods.{{Ref|FAB|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}}
  
[[Lord Bracken]] served as [[Hand of the King]] to King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]. His daughter [[Barba Bracken]], the fifth mistress of Aegon IV, was the mother of [[Aegor Rivers]], the [[Great Bastard]] known as Bittersteel. According to Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]], Lord Bracken was to sail with [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen to aid [[Daemon I Blackfyre|Daemon Blackfyre]] and Bittersteel during the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]], but was delayed by storms.{{Ref|TSS}}
+
Ser [[Lyle Bracken]] was one of the seven [[knight]]s of the [[Warrior's Sons]] who were slain during King [[Maegor I Targaryen]]'s [[trial of seven]] in {{Date|42}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} Ser [[Olyver Bracken]] and Ser [[Raymund Mallery]], knights in Maegor's [[Kingsguard]], defected to the cause of Prince [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys Targaryen]] in {{Date|48}}. Since they had broken their vows to protect Maegor, King Jaehaerys I allowed them to join the [[Night's Watch]] after he gained the [[Iron Throne]].{{ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}} Olyver and Raymund led a rebellion of former [[Faith Militant]] among the Watch in {{date|50}}, with Lord [[Walton Stark (son of Brandon)|Walton Stark]] beheading Olyver with [[Ice]] at [[Rimegate]].{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}
  
Ser [[Otho Bracken]] slew Lord [[Quentyn Blackwood]] at a tourney in [[King's Landing]], reinvigorating the feud. Three years later Otho and some Blackwoods participated in the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]].{{Ref|THK}} Ser [[Steffon Fossoway]] considered convincing Otho or the Blackwoods to fight for [[Dunk]] at his [[trial of seven]], but decided it would be impossible to make them fight on the same side.{{Ref|THK}} When Lord Bracken lay dying, Septon [[Sefton Staunton|Sefton]] explained that Otho would inherit and the Blackwoods would not suffer him, meaning war. Lord Bracken's eldest son died in [[the Great Spring Sickness]]. The then-[[Hand of the King]], Bittersteel's rival Lord [[Brynden Rivers|Bloodraven]], was half-Blackwood, so he was unlikely to stop it.{{Ref|TSS}}
+
===The Dance of the Dragons===
 +
[[Amos Bracken]] fought a duel with [[Samwell Blackwood]] over [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] in {{Date|112}},{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} but the princess eventually wed Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]].{{Ref|TRP}}
  
Lords Bracken and Blackwood came to Riverrun when [[Lysa Tully]] was young to put their feud before Lord [[Hoster Tully]]'s judgment.{{ref|ASOS|80}} Hoster attempted to marry Ser [[Brynden Tully]] to Lord Bracken's daughter.{{ref|ASOS|71}} The daughter of [[Elys Waynwood]] was on her way to marry a Bracken when she was kidnapped by the [[Mountain clans|Burned Men]] and not heard from again.{{ref|AFFC|41}}
+
During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], the Brackens declared for [[Aegon II Targaryen]] and the [[greens]] against Rhaenyra's [[blacks]]. Ser Amos killed Samwell during the [[Battle of the Burning Mill]], only to then be slain by an arrow allegedly fired by [[Alysanne Blackwood]]. Ser [[Raylon Rivers]] led the Bracken survivors back to [[Stone Hedge]], but Lord [[Humfrey Bracken]] had already [[taking of Stone Hedge|been captured]] in the meantime by Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|TPATQ}} Since Aegon II began punishing lords who had supported Rhaenyra after her death, Humfrey joined the blacks in support of Rhaenyra's son, the future [[Aegon III Targaryen]], in {{Date|131}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
 +
 
 +
===Bittersteel and Bloodraven===
 +
[[Lord Bracken]] served as [[Hand of the King]] to King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]. His elder daughter [[Barba Bracken|Barba]] was the fifth mistress of Aegon IV and the mother of [[Aegor Rivers]], the [[Great Bastard]] known as Bittersteel. However, House Bracken fell from favor after Lord Bracken began talking openly of marrying Barba to Aegon IV after Queen [[Naerys]] nearly died in childbirth. Lord Bracken's second daughter, [[Bethany Bracken|Bethany]], was deliberately groomed by her father and elder sister to win back the king's favor by displacing [[Melissa Blackwood]], with whom Aegon IV had replaced Barba as mistress.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
 +
 
 +
Bethany succeeded in displacing Melissa, but she found the king's embraces distressing and so sought comfort in Ser [[Terrence Toyne]] of the [[Kingsguard]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} After the affair was discovered, both Bethany and her father were executed.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
 +
 
 +
According to Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]], Lord Bracken was to sail with [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen to aid [[Daemon I Blackfyre]] and Bittersteel during the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]], but was delayed by storms.{{Ref|TSS}}
 +
 
 +
Ser [[Otho Bracken]] slew Lord [[Quentyn Blackwood]] at a [[tourney]] in [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|206}}, reinvigorating the feud. Three years later Otho and some Blackwoods participated in the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]].{{Ref|THK}} Ser [[Steffon Fossoway]] considered convincing Otho or the Blackwoods to fight for Ser [[Duncan the Tall]] in his [[trial of seven]], but decided it would be impossible to make them both fight on the same side.{{Ref|THK}} When Lord Bracken lay dying, Septon [[Sefton Staunton|Sefton]] explained that Otho would inherit and the Blackwoods would not suffer him, meaning war. Lord Bracken's eldest son and heir had died in the [[Great Spring Sickness]]. Lord [[Brynden Rivers]], the [[Hand of the King]] known as Bloodraven, was the son of Melissa Blackwood and thus was considered unlikely to stop it.{{Ref|TSS}} 
 +
 
 +
===Recent History===
 +
Lords Bracken and Blackwood came to Riverrun when [[Lysa Arryn|Lysa Tully]] was young to put their feud before the judgment of [[Hoster Tully]], [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]].{{Ref|ASOS|80}} Hoster attempted to marry Ser [[Brynden Tully]] to Lord Bracken's daughter.{{Ref|ASOS|71}} The daughter of [[Elys Waynwood]] was on her way to marry a Bracken when she was kidnapped by [[Burned Men]] and not heard from again.{{Ref|AFFC|41}}
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
Three Bracken men-at-arms, [[Kurleket]], [[Lharys]] and [[Mohor]], assist [[Catelyn Tully]] in arresting [[Tyrion Lannister]] at the [[inn at the crossroads]].{{ref|AGOT|28}} The three die during the trek to the [[Vale of Arryn]], slain by [[mountain clans|mountain clansmen]].{{ref|AGOT|31}}
+
Three Bracken men-at-arms, [[Kurleket]], [[Lharys]], and [[Mohor]], assist Lady [[Catelyn Stark]], the daughter of Lord [[Hoster Tully]], in arresting [[Tyrion Lannister]] at the [[inn at the crossroads]].{{Ref|AGOT|28}} The three die during the trek to the [[Vale of Arryn]], slain by [[Vale mountain clans|mountain clansmen]].{{Ref|AGOT|31}}
 +
 
 +
After the death of King [[Robert I Baratheon]], Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] burns out the Brackens, laying waste to their fields, slaughtering their [[smallfolk]] and leaving [[Burning of Stone Hedge|Stone Hedge]] a smoking ruin. Lord [[Jonos Bracken]] is listed among the nobles commanded by King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] to do him fealty or be declared traitors.{{Ref|AGOT|57}}
  
After the outbreak of the [[War of the Five Kings]], Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] burns out the Brackens, laying waste to their fields, slaughtering their smallfolk and leaving [[Stone Hedge]] a smoking ruin. Lord [[Jonos Bracken]] is listed among the nobles [[Joffrey]] commands to do him fealty or be declared traitors.{{ref|AGOT|57}} Lord Jonos arrives at [[Riverrun]] after the [[Battle of the Camps]]. At the war council at Riverrun, Jonos suggests to pledge fealty to King [[Renly Baratheon]], perhaps only to contradict Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]]'s previous statement. After [[Greatjon Umber]] speaks, Jonos joins the other river lords in declaring [[Robb Stark]] to be [[King in the North]].{{ref|AGOT|71}}
+
Jonos arrives at [[Riverrun]] after the [[Battle of the Camps]]. At the war council at Riverrun, Jonos suggests to pledge fealty to King [[Renly Baratheon]], perhaps only to contradict Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]]'s previous statement of marching against [[Harrenhal]]. After [[Greatjon Umber]] speaks, Jonos joins the other river lords in declaring [[Robb Stark]] to be [[King in the North]] and [[King of the Trident]].{{Ref|AGOT|71}}
  
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
Lord Jonos recovers Stone Hedge from the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]], but he is wounded and his nephew [[Hendry Bracken|Hendry]] is killed in the fighting.{{ref|ACOK|7}}
+
Lord Jonos recovers Stone Hedge from the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]], but he is wounded and his nephew [[Hendry Bracken|Hendry]] is killed in the fighting.{{Ref|ACOK|7}}
  
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
Lord [[Quenten Banefort]] is held captive by House Bracken.{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}} Among those claimed to have been murdered by the Lannisters by the [[brotherhood without banners]] was the [[Harry Rivers]], the Bastard of Bracken.{{ref|ASOS|34}} [[Brienne of Tarth]], [[Cleos Frey]], and [[Jaime Lannister]] find the bodies of tavern wenches hanged for associating with Lannister troops while traveling through Bracken lands.{{ref|ASOS|1}} Lord Jonos is among the seven nobles who launch Lord Hoster Tully's funeral boat.{{ref|ASOS|35}}
+
Lord [[Quenten Banefort]] is held captive by House Bracken.{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}} Among those claimed to have been murdered by the Lannisters by the [[brotherhood without banners]] was [[Harry Rivers]], the [[Bastard]] of Bracken.{{ref|ASOS|34}} [[Brienne of Tarth]], [[Cleos Frey]], and [[Jaime Lannister]] find the bodies of tavern wenches hanged for associating with Lannister troops while traveling through Bracken lands.{{ref|ASOS|1}} Lord Jonos is among the seven nobles who launch Lord [[Hoster Tully]]'s funeral boat.{{Ref|ASOS|35}}
  
Following the death of King [[Robb Stark]] in the [[Red Wedding]], Jonos surrenders to the [[Iron Throne]] and receives a royal pardon.{{ref|ASOS|72}} The Brackens then fight [[House Blackwood]], who remain loyal to [[House Stark]], on behalf of [[House Baratheon of King's Landing]].{{ref|ASOS|74}}
+
Following the death of King [[Robb Stark]] in the [[Red Wedding]], Jonos surrenders to the [[Iron Throne]] and receives a royal pardon.{{Ref|ASOS|72}} The Brackens then fight [[House Blackwood]], who remain loyal to [[House Stark]], on behalf of [[House Baratheon of King's Landing]].{{Ref|ASOS|74}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
Dead soldiers bearing the colors of House Bracken have washed up on the [[Quiet Isle]]. According to the [[Elder Brother]], they are buried next to their Blackwood enemies.{{ref|AFFC|31}} The Brackens besiege the Blackwoods at [[Raventree Hall]].{{ref|AFFC|38}}
+
Dead soldiers bearing the colors of House Bracken have washed up on the [[Quiet Isle]]. According to the [[Elder Brother (Quiet Isle)|Elder Brother]], they are buried next to their Blackwood enemies.{{ref|AFFC|31}} The Brackens besiege the Blackwoods at [[Raventree Hall]].{{Ref|AFFC|38}}
  
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]] refuses to surrender to Jonos Bracken, leading [[Jaime Lannister]] to attempt to resolve the [[siege of Raventree]]. Jonos desires to gain the east bank of the [[Widow's Wash]], from [[Crossbow Ridge]] to [[Rutting Meadow]], [[Grindcorn Mill]], [[Lord's Mill]], [[Muddy Hall]], the [[Ravishment]], [[Battle Valley]], [[Oldforge]], [[Buckle]], [[Blackbuckle]], [[Cairns]], [[Claypool]], [[Mudgrave]], [[Waspwood]], [[Lorgen's Wood]], [[Greenhill]], [[Teats|Barba's Teats]], and [[Honeytree]]. However, Tytos only agrees to transfer [[Woodhedge]], Crossbow Ridge, Buckle, Lord's Mill, and Honeytree. Jaime orders Jonos to send one of his daughters to serve Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] in [[King's Landing]].{{ref|ADWD|48}}
+
Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]] refuses to surrender to Jonos Bracken, leading Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] to attempt to resolve the [[siege of Raventree]]. Lord Jonos desires to gain the east bank of the [[Widow's Wash]], from [[Crossbow Ridge]] to [[Rutting Meadow]], [[Grindcorn Mill]], [[Lord's Mill]], [[Muddy Hall]], the [[Ravishment]], [[Battle Valley]], [[Oldforge]], [[Buckle]], [[Blackbuckle]], [[Cairns]], [[Claypool]], [[Mudgrave]], [[Waspwood]], [[Lorgen's Wood]], [[Greenhill]], [[Teats|Barba's Teats]], and [[Honeytree]]. However, Tytos only agrees to transfer [[Woodhedge]], Crossbow Ridge, Buckle, Lord's Mill, and Honeytree. Jaime orders Jonos to send one of his daughters to serve Queen regent [[Cersei Lannister]] in [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
 +
 
 +
It is also revealed a dozen Bracken men were killed in the [[Red Wedding]].{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
  
 
==House Bracken at the end of the third century==
 
==House Bracken at the end of the third century==
 
The known Brackens during the timespan of the events described in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' are:
 
The known Brackens during the timespan of the events described in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' are:
 
+
*Lord [[Jonos Bracken]], Lord of [[Stone Hedge]].
* Lord [[Jonos Bracken]], Lord of [[Stone Hedge]].
+
**Lady Bracken, his wife.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
** [[Barbara Bracken]], his daughter.
+
***[[Barbara Bracken]], their daughter.
** [[Jayne Bracken]], his daughter.
+
***[[Jayne Bracken]], their daughter.
** [[Catelyn Bracken]], his daughter.
+
***[[Catelyn Bracken]], their daughter.
** [[Bess Bracken]], his daughter.
+
***[[Bess Bracken]], their daughter.
** [[Alysanne Bracken]], his daughter.
+
***[[Alysanne Bracken]], their daughter.
** {[[Hendry Bracken]]}, his nephew.
+
*{[[Hendry Bracken]]}, his nephew.
  
 
With unspecified familiar relationship to the main branch of the house there is also:
 
With unspecified familiar relationship to the main branch of the house there is also:
 +
*{[[Harry Rivers]]}, the Bastard of Bracken, the [[Bastardy|natural son]] of a member of House Bracken, claimed to be Lord Jonos's son.
 +
*Lord Bracken's daughter. One of the possible matches for [[Brynden Tully]] in his youth. Possibly a sister of Lord Jonos.{{Ref|AGOT|71}}
 +
*Unnamed Bracken, betrothed to one of [[Elys Waynwood]]'s daughter.{{Ref|AFFC|41}}
  
* {[[Harry Rivers]]}, the Bastard of Bracken, the natural son of a member of House Bracken, claimed to be Lord Jonos's son.
 
* Lord Bracken's daughter. One of the possible matches for [[Brynden Tully]] in his youth. Possibly a sister of Lord Jonos.{{Ref|AGOT|71}}
 
  
 
{{Bracken tree}}
 
{{Bracken tree}}
  
 
==Historical Members==
 
==Historical Members==
* [[Benedict I Justman|Benedict Rivers]], a bastard who became King Benedict I Justman.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}}
+
*[[Benedict I Justman|Benedict Rivers]], a [[bastard]] who became King Benedict I Justman.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
* Lord [[Lothar Bracken]], who betrayed Lady [[Agnes Blackwood]] and was starved by [[Harwyn Hoare]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}}
+
*Lord Bracken during the rule of King [[Humfrey I Teague]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
* Unknown son of Lord Bracken, who, in {{Date|112}}, dueled the son of Lord [[House Blackwood|Blackwood]] for the hand of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]].{{ref|trp}}
+
*Lord [[Lothar Bracken]], who betrayed Lady [[Agnes Blackwood]] and was starved to death by [[Harwyn Hoare]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
* [[Lord Bracken]], who served as [[Hand of the King]] to [[Aegon IV Targaryen]].{{ref|twoiaf| Aegon IV}}
+
*Ser [[Lyle Bracken]], a [[knight]] of the [[Warrior's Sons]] during the reign of King [[Maegor I Targaryen]].{{Ref|TSOTD}}
** [[Barba Bracken]], the fifth of Aegon IV's mistresses and mother of [[Aegor Rivers|Aegor "Bittersteel" Rivers]].{{ref|twoiaf| The nine mistresses of Aegon IV, the Unworthy}}  
+
*Ser [[Olyver Bracken]], a [[knight]] of King [[Maegor I Targaryen]]'s [[Kingsguard]].{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}}
** [[Bethany Bracken]], the seventh of Aegon IV's mistresses.{{ref|twoiaf| The nine mistresses of Aegon IV, the Unworthy}}  
+
*Lord [[Humfrey Bracken]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons — The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
* Lord Bracken, unknown member of House Bracken, head of the House during the last part of the reign of King [[Daeron II Targaryen]], and the early part of the reign of King [[Aerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|THK}}{{Ref|TSS}}
+
**His children, third wife, and baseborn paramour.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons — The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
** His son and heir, an unknown son, died in the Spring Sickness.{{Ref|TSS}}
+
**Ser [[Amos Bracken]], his son.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons — The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
** Ser [[Otho Bracken]], known as the Brute of Bracken, the second son of Lord Bracken, and his heir during the reign of King [[Aerys I Targaryen]].{{ref|thk}}
+
**Ser [[Raylon Rivers]], Humfrey's [[bastard]] son.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons — The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
 +
*[[Lord Bracken]], who served as the [[Hand of the King|Hand]] to King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
 +
**Lady [[Barba Bracken]], his eldest daughter, the fifth of [[Aegon IV Targaryen#Mistresses and Bastards|Aegon IV's mistresses]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
 +
***Ser [[Aegor Rivers]], known as Bittersteel, son of Lady Barba and Aegon IV. One of the [[Great Bastards]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
 +
**Lady [[Bethany Bracken]], his younger daughter, the seventh of Aegon IV's mistresses.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
 +
*Lord Bracken, unknown member of House Bracken, head of the House during the last part of the reign of King [[Daeron II Targaryen]], and the early part of the reign of King [[Aerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|THK}}{{Ref|TSS}}
 +
**His unknown eldest son and heir, who died in the [[Great Spring Sickness]].{{Ref|TSS}}
 +
**Ser [[Otho Bracken]], known as the Brute of Bracken, the second son of Lord Bracken, and his heir during the reign of Aerys I.{{Ref|THK}}
 +
*Lord Bracken who had a feud with Lord Blackwood settled by Lord [[Hoster Tully]].{{Ref|ASOS|80}}
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
{{quote|We've had a hundred peaces with the Brackens, many sealed with marriages. There's [[House Blackwood|Blackwood]] blood in every Bracken, and Bracken blood in every Blackwood. [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|The Old King's]] Peace lasted half a century. But then some fresh quarrel broke out, and the old wounds opened and began to bleed again. That's how it always happens, [[Tytos Blackwood|my father]] says. So long as men remember the wrongs done to their forebears, no peace will ever last. So we go on century after century, with us hating the Brackens and them hating us. My father says there will never be an end to it.{{ref|ADWD|48}}}} - [[Hoster Blackwood]] to [[Jaime Lannister]]
+
{{Quote|We've had a hundred peaces with the Brackens, many sealed with marriages. There's [[House Blackwood|Blackwood]] blood in every Bracken, and Bracken blood in every Blackwood. [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|The Old King's]] Peace lasted half a century. But then [[Quentyn Blackwood|some fresh]] [[Otho Bracken|quarrel broke out]], and the old wounds opened and began to bleed again. That's how it always happens, [[Tytos Blackwood|my father]] says. So long as men remember the wrongs done to their forebears, no peace will ever last. So we go on century after century, with us hating the Brackens and them hating us. My father says there will never be an end to it.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}|[[Hoster Blackwood]] to [[Jaime Lannister]]}}
  
==References and Notes==
+
==References==
{{references|3}}
+
{{References|3}}
  
{{Template:HousesRiverlands}}
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{{HousesRiverlands}}
  
 
[[Category:House Bracken| ]]
 
[[Category:House Bracken| ]]
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[[Category:Houses from the Riverlands|Bracken]]
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[[Category:Houses of First Men origin|Bracken]]
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[[Category:Kings of the Trident and Kings of the Rivers and the Hills| ]]
 
[[Category:Noble houses|Bracken]]
 
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[[Category:Lords of Stone Hedge| ]]
  
 
[[es:Casa Bracken]]
 
[[es:Casa Bracken]]

Revision as of 09:20, 10 August 2019

House Bracken of Stone Hedge
House Bracken.svg
Coat of arms A red stallion upon a gold shield, on a brown field
(Tenné, on an escutcheon or a stallion rampant gules)
Seat Stone Hedge
Head Jonos Bracken
Region Riverlands
Titles
Overlords
Cadet branch House Justman
Founded Age of Heroes[2]

House Bracken of Stone Hedge is an old house from Stone Hedge in the riverlands, one of the main families sworn to House Tully of Riverrun. They blazon their arms with a red stallion upon a golden escutcheon on brown.[3][4] Their words do not appear in the books.

The Bracken lands lie along the Red Fork of the Trident.[5] They rule over wider domains and can field a much larger army than their overlord of House Tully.[6]

History

Age of Heroes

The Brackens have the blood of the First Men in their veins and were kings of the riverlands during the Age of Heroes. They have an old and bitter feud against their neighbors, the Blackwoods. According to the Brackens, they were kings who ruled the Red Fork but were usurped by their vassals, the Blackwoods.[2] According to the Blackwoods, however, the Brackens were petty lords and horse breeders who hired sellswords to usurp the Blackwood kings.[2]

Andal Riverlands

The Brackens and Blackwoods allied together against the coming of the Andals, but the First Men families were defeated in the Battle of the Bitter River.[7] The feud has continued throughout the years, aided by House Bracken's conversion to the Faith of the Seven after the Andal victory.[8] The Blackwoods believe the Brackens poisoned the weirwood at Raventree Hall.[2] Battle Valley and the village of Blackbuckle are part of the disputed land. There have been numerous peaces between the Brackens and Blackwoods, many sealed by marriage, but the feud always restarts.[2] Benedict Rivers was a bastard born from both houses who eventually became King Benedict I Justman.[7]

A Lord Bracken died in the fighting between the Teagues and the Storm King Arlan III Durrandon.[9]

When Lady Agnes Blackwood led the resistance of the river lords to King Harwyn Hoare, Lord Lothar Bracken attacked Agnes's army from behind. It is possible Lothar hoped to become King of the Trident after Harwyn defeated the Storm King Arrec Durrandon, but House Hoare instead took the riverlands for themselves. Harwyn starved Lothar to death when he later rose in rebellion.[7]

Targaryen Era

House Bracken aided Aegon the Conqueror during the Wars of Conquest and rebelled against Harwyn's grandson, King Harren the Black of Harrenhal.[10] The Brackens and the Blackwoods had been weakened by a private war a decade before Aegon's Conquest, however, and Aegon granted the new title of Lord Paramount of the Trident to Lord Edmyn Tully of Riverrun.[11] Queen Visenya Targaryen negotiated a double wedding between the Brackens and the Blackwoods.[12]

Ser Lyle Bracken was one of the seven knights of the Warrior's Sons who were slain during King Maegor I Targaryen's trial of seven in 42 AC.[13] Ser Olyver Bracken and Ser Raymund Mallery, knights in Maegor's Kingsguard, defected to the cause of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen in 48 AC. Since they had broken their vows to protect Maegor, King Jaehaerys I allowed them to join the Night's Watch after he gained the Iron Throne.[14] Olyver and Raymund led a rebellion of former Faith Militant among the Watch in 50 AC, with Lord Walton Stark beheading Olyver with Ice at Rimegate.[15]

The Dance of the Dragons

Amos Bracken fought a duel with Samwell Blackwood over Rhaenyra Targaryen in 112 AC,[16] but the princess eventually wed Ser Laenor Velaryon.[17]

During the Dance of the Dragons, the Brackens declared for Aegon II Targaryen and the greens against Rhaenyra's blacks. Ser Amos killed Samwell during the Battle of the Burning Mill, only to then be slain by an arrow allegedly fired by Alysanne Blackwood. Ser Raylon Rivers led the Bracken survivors back to Stone Hedge, but Lord Humfrey Bracken had already been captured in the meantime by Prince Daemon Targaryen.[18][19][20] Since Aegon II began punishing lords who had supported Rhaenyra after her death, Humfrey joined the blacks in support of Rhaenyra's son, the future Aegon III Targaryen, in 131 AC.[21]

Bittersteel and Bloodraven

Lord Bracken served as Hand of the King to King Aegon IV Targaryen. His elder daughter Barba was the fifth mistress of Aegon IV and the mother of Aegor Rivers, the Great Bastard known as Bittersteel. However, House Bracken fell from favor after Lord Bracken began talking openly of marrying Barba to Aegon IV after Queen Naerys nearly died in childbirth. Lord Bracken's second daughter, Bethany, was deliberately groomed by her father and elder sister to win back the king's favor by displacing Melissa Blackwood, with whom Aegon IV had replaced Barba as mistress.[22]

Bethany succeeded in displacing Melissa, but she found the king's embraces distressing and so sought comfort in Ser Terrence Toyne of the Kingsguard.[22] After the affair was discovered, both Bethany and her father were executed.[22]

According to Ser Eustace Osgrey, Lord Bracken was to sail with Myrish crossbowmen to aid Daemon I Blackfyre and Bittersteel during the First Blackfyre Rebellion, but was delayed by storms.[23]

Ser Otho Bracken slew Lord Quentyn Blackwood at a tourney in King's Landing in 206 AC, reinvigorating the feud. Three years later Otho and some Blackwoods participated in the tourney at Ashford Meadow.[24] Ser Steffon Fossoway considered convincing Otho or the Blackwoods to fight for Ser Duncan the Tall in his trial of seven, but decided it would be impossible to make them both fight on the same side.[24] When Lord Bracken lay dying, Septon Sefton explained that Otho would inherit and the Blackwoods would not suffer him, meaning war. Lord Bracken's eldest son and heir had died in the Great Spring Sickness. Lord Brynden Rivers, the Hand of the King known as Bloodraven, was the son of Melissa Blackwood and thus was considered unlikely to stop it.[23]

Recent History

Lords Bracken and Blackwood came to Riverrun when Lysa Tully was young to put their feud before the judgment of Hoster Tully, Lord Paramount of the Trident.[25] Hoster attempted to marry Ser Brynden Tully to Lord Bracken's daughter.[26] The daughter of Elys Waynwood was on her way to marry a Bracken when she was kidnapped by Burned Men and not heard from again.[27]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Three Bracken men-at-arms, Kurleket, Lharys, and Mohor, assist Lady Catelyn Stark, the daughter of Lord Hoster Tully, in arresting Tyrion Lannister at the inn at the crossroads.[28] The three die during the trek to the Vale of Arryn, slain by mountain clansmen.[29]

After the death of King Robert I Baratheon, Ser Gregor Clegane burns out the Brackens, laying waste to their fields, slaughtering their smallfolk and leaving Stone Hedge a smoking ruin. Lord Jonos Bracken is listed among the nobles commanded by King Joffrey I Baratheon to do him fealty or be declared traitors.[30]

Jonos arrives at Riverrun after the Battle of the Camps. At the war council at Riverrun, Jonos suggests to pledge fealty to King Renly Baratheon, perhaps only to contradict Lord Tytos Blackwood's previous statement of marching against Harrenhal. After Greatjon Umber speaks, Jonos joins the other river lords in declaring Robb Stark to be King in the North and King of the Trident.[31]

A Clash of Kings

Lord Jonos recovers Stone Hedge from the Lannisters, but he is wounded and his nephew Hendry is killed in the fighting.[32]

A Storm of Swords

Lord Quenten Banefort is held captive by House Bracken.[33] Among those claimed to have been murdered by the Lannisters by the brotherhood without banners was Harry Rivers, the Bastard of Bracken.[34] Brienne of Tarth, Cleos Frey, and Jaime Lannister find the bodies of tavern wenches hanged for associating with Lannister troops while traveling through Bracken lands.[5] Lord Jonos is among the seven nobles who launch Lord Hoster Tully's funeral boat.[35]

Following the death of King Robb Stark in the Red Wedding, Jonos surrenders to the Iron Throne and receives a royal pardon.[36] The Brackens then fight House Blackwood, who remain loyal to House Stark, on behalf of House Baratheon of King's Landing.[37]

A Feast for Crows

Dead soldiers bearing the colors of House Bracken have washed up on the Quiet Isle. According to the Elder Brother, they are buried next to their Blackwood enemies.[38] The Brackens besiege the Blackwoods at Raventree Hall.[39]

A Dance with Dragons

Lord Tytos Blackwood refuses to surrender to Jonos Bracken, leading Ser Jaime Lannister to attempt to resolve the siege of Raventree. Lord Jonos desires to gain the east bank of the Widow's Wash, from Crossbow Ridge to Rutting Meadow, Grindcorn Mill, Lord's Mill, Muddy Hall, the Ravishment, Battle Valley, Oldforge, Buckle, Blackbuckle, Cairns, Claypool, Mudgrave, Waspwood, Lorgen's Wood, Greenhill, Barba's Teats, and Honeytree. However, Tytos only agrees to transfer Woodhedge, Crossbow Ridge, Buckle, Lord's Mill, and Honeytree. Jaime orders Jonos to send one of his daughters to serve Queen regent Cersei Lannister in King's Landing.[2]

It is also revealed a dozen Bracken men were killed in the Red Wedding.[2]

House Bracken at the end of the third century

The known Brackens during the timespan of the events described in A Song of Ice and Fire are:

With unspecified familiar relationship to the main branch of the house there is also:

  • {Harry Rivers}, the Bastard of Bracken, the natural son of a member of House Bracken, claimed to be Lord Jonos's son.
  • Lord Bracken's daughter. One of the possible matches for Brynden Tully in his youth. Possibly a sister of Lord Jonos.[31]
  • Unnamed Bracken, betrothed to one of Elys Waynwood's daughter.[27]


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown
woman
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jonos
 
 
 
Unknown
second wife
 
 
 
 
 
Sibling(s)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown
first wife
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lady Bracken
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Harry
Rivers
 
Barbara
 
Jayne
 
Catelyn
 
Bess
 
Alysanne
 
Hendry
 


Historical Members

Quotes

We've had a hundred peaces with the Brackens, many sealed with marriages. There's Blackwood blood in every Bracken, and Bracken blood in every Blackwood. The Old King's Peace lasted half a century. But then some fresh quarrel broke out, and the old wounds opened and began to bleed again. That's how it always happens, my father says. So long as men remember the wrongs done to their forebears, no peace will ever last. So we go on century after century, with us hating the Brackens and them hating us. My father says there will never be an end to it.[2]

References

  1. A Game of Thrones, Appendix.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 48, Jaime I.
  3. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 33, Jaime V.
  4. The Citadel. Heraldry: Houses in the Riverlands
  5. 5.0 5.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 1, Jaime I.
  6. Fire & Blood, Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 The World of Ice & Fire, The Riverlands.
  8. So Spake Martin: Blackwood-Bracken Feud and Coinage
  9. The World of Ice & Fire, The Riverlands.
  10. So Spake Martin: Chicon 7 Reading (September 02, 2012)
  11. The World of Ice & Fire, The Riverlands: House Tully.
  12. Fire & Blood, Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I.
  13. Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
  14. 14.0 14.1 Fire & Blood, Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I.
  15. Fire & Blood, A Surfeit of Rulers.
  16. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son.
  17. The Rogue Prince.
  18. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold.
  19. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II.
  20. The Princess and the Queen.
  21. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II.
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 22.6 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV.
  23. 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 The Sworn Sword.
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 The Hedge Knight.
  25. 25.0 25.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 80, Sansa VII.
  26. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 71, Daenerys VI.
  27. 27.0 27.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 41, Alayne II.
  28. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 28, Catelyn V.
  29. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 31, Tyrion IV.
  30. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 57, Sansa V.
  31. 31.0 31.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 71, Catelyn XI.
  32. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 7, Catelyn I.
  33. A Storm of Swords, Appendix.
  34. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 34, Arya VI.
  35. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 35, Catelyn IV.
  36. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 72, Jaime IX.
  37. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 74, Arya XIII.
  38. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 31, Brienne VI.
  39. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 38, Jaime VI.
  40. The Sons of the Dragon.
  41. 41.0 41.1 41.2 41.3 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons — The Red Dragon and the Gold.