Difference between revisions of "Larys Strong"

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| image = [[File:Clubfoot.jpg|300px]]
 
| image = [[File:Clubfoot.jpg|300px]]
 
| image_caption = Larys Strong as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.
 
| image_caption = Larys Strong as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.
| Alias = Larys Clubfoot{{Ref|TRP}}<br>The Clubfoot{{Ref|TRP}}
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| Alias = Larys the Clubfoot{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<br>Larys Clubfoot{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<br>The Clubfoot{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
| Title = [[Lord of Harrenhal]]{{Ref|TRP}}<br>[[Master of whisperers]]{{Ref|TPATQ}}<br>[[Lord Confessor]]{{Ref|TRP}}
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| Title = [[Lord of Harrenhal]]{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<br>[[Master of whisperers]]{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<br>[[Lord Confessor]]{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
 
| Allegiance = [[House Strong]]<br>[[Greens]]
 
| Allegiance = [[House Strong]]<br>[[Greens]]
 
| Race =
 
| Race =
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'''Larys Strong''', known as '''Larys Clubfoot''' or '''the Clubfoot''', was the [[Lord of Harrenhal]] and head of [[House Strong]] during the latter part of the reign of [[Viserys I Targaryen]] and the reign of [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. He served on the [[small council]] as the [[master of whisperers]] and [[Lord Confessor]] for both kings Viserys I and Aegon II.{{Ref|tpatq}}{{Ref|fab|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
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'''Larys Strong''', known as '''Larys Clubfoot''' or '''the Clubfoot''', was the [[Lord of Harrenhal]] and head of [[House Strong]] during the latter part of the reign of [[Viserys I Targaryen]] and the reign of [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. He served on the [[small council]] as the [[master of whisperers]] and [[Lord Confessor]] for both kings.{{Ref|fab|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
  
 
==Appearance and Character==
 
==Appearance and Character==
The Clubfoot rarely spoke, preferring to listen. When he did speak it was either to be glib or share words of great importance. As with most masters of whisperers, he was enigmatic and cunning. One of his legs was twisted at birth and he walked with a limp.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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One of Larys's feet was twisted at birth, so he dragged it with a limp.{{ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
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Larys rarely spoke, preferring to listen. When he did so it was either to be glib or share words of great importance.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} The Clubfoot was an enigmatic and cunning man.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Although he could be convincing and amiable when needed,{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} he kept his own counsel and was largely friendless.{{ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
===Reign of Viserys===
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===Reign of Viserys I===
In {{Date|105}}, Larys was brought to court by his father, Lord [[Lyonel Strong]], alongside his older brother, [[Harwin Strong|Harwin]], and two sisters. Larys joined the confessors of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|trp}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}
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In {{Date|105}}, Larys was brought to court by his father, Lord [[Lyonel Strong]], alongside his older brother, [[Harwin Strong|Harwin]], and two sisters. Larys joined the confessors of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]].{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|twoiaf|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}
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In {{Date|120}}, Lyonel and Harwin died in a fire at [[Harrenhal]], leaving Larys to inherit his father's seat and title as [[Lord of Harrenhal]]. Although the cause of the fire was never determined, one of the suggestions to have been put forth was that Larys had caused the fire.{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|twoiaf|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}{{Ref|twoiaf|The Riverlands: House Tully}} Other suggested culprits were Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], King Viserys I himself, and the curse of [[Harren Hoare|Black Harren]].{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}
  
In {{Date|120}}, Larys's father and older brother died in a fire at [[Harrenhal]], leaving Larys to inherit his father's seat and [[Lord of Harrenhal|title]]. Although the cause of the fire was never determined, one of the suggestions to have been put forth was that Larys had caused the fire.{{Ref|trp}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Riverlands: House Tully}} Other suggested culprits were Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], King Viserys I himself, and the curse of [[Harren Hoare|Black Harren]]. Larys eventually became the [[Lord Confessor]] and [[master of whisperers]] on Viserys [[small council]].{{Ref|trp}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}
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Larys eventually became the [[Lord Confessor]] and [[master of whisperers]] on Viserys's [[small council]].{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
  
 
===Dance of the Dragons===
 
===Dance of the Dragons===
when King Viserys I died in {{Date|129}}. Larys despite his families alleged ties to Rhaenyra, was part of the [[Greens|green faction]] at court and gave his support to the crowning of King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. When Aegon II's older half-sister [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] [[Fall of King's Landing|took King's Landing]] in {{Date|130}}, Larys escaped capture by spiriting both himself as well as King Aegon II, still recovering from severe wounds, and the king's two remaining children, [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]] and [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]], from the [[Red Keep]] through a secret passage which led them out of the [[King's Landing|city]] while bypassing the city's gates.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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When King Viserys I died in {{Date|129}}, Larys was part of the [[Greens|green faction]] at court. He attended the meeting of the [[small council]] which agreed to support [[Aegon II Targaryen]] against his older half-sister, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]. Larys cut his palm and had the male conspirators in attendance swear a blood oath.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
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When the [[Dance of the Dragons]] broke out, Larys's castle was taken by Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] in the [[assault on Harrenhal]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} Aegon's mother, Queen [[Alicent Hightower]], allegedly ordered Larys to torture [[Blood (the butcher)|Blood]] after the murder of Prince [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys Targaryen]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} The Clubfoot drew up lists of [[blacks]] whom Ser [[Criston Cole]] could march against.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
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Larys escaped capture during the [[fall of King's Landing]] to Rhaenyra in {{date|130}}.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} He spirited Aegon, who was still recovering from the [[battle at Rook's Rest]], and the king's two remaining children, Prince [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]] and Princess [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]], from the [[Red Keep]] through a secret passage which led them out of the capital while bypassing the city's gates. Larys insisted the group part ways and ordered Ser [[Rickard Thorne]] of Aegon's [[Kingsguard]] to bring Maelor to Lord [[Lyonel Hightower]] at [[Oldtown]], and Ser [[Willis Fell]] of the Kingsguard to escort Jaehaera to Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] at [[Storm's End]]. Larys disguised King Aegon as a commoner and sent him to [[Dragonstone]] under the care of Ser [[Marston Waters]], believing her own stronghold would be the last place Rhaenyra would think to search for her half brother.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
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On campaign in the [[riverlands]], Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] believed Larys had somehow aided Rhaenyra in the capital's fall. Aegon's brother had every member of [[House Strong]] at Harrenhal killed.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
  
Larys insisted the group part ways. He ordered two sworn brothers of Aegon II's [[Kingsguard]], the first Ser [[Rickard Thorne]] to bring Prince Maelor to Lord [[Lyonel Hightower]] at [[Oldtown]] and the second Ser [[Willis Fell]] to escort Princess Jaehaera to Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] at [[Storm's End]], while disguising King Aegon as a commoner and sending him to [[Dragonstone]] under the care of the [[bastard]] [[knight]], Ser [[Marston Waters]], believing her own stronghold would be the last place she would think to search for her brother.{{Ref|TPATQ}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
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Larys remained in [[King's Landing]], strategically working in secret to undermine Rhaenyra's hold on the capital. When Queen [[Helaena Targaryen]] committed suicide, a rumor was spread throughout the city that she was murdered on the orders of Rhaneyra. [[Mushroom]] in his writings accused Larys of being the source for this slander.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}
  
At Harrenhal when Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] learned of fall of King's Landing, he became enraged and believed Larys had been involved in the betrayal somehow. Aemond had every member of [[House Strong]] at [[Harrenhal]] killed.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
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The massive [[Riot of King's Landing (Dance of the Dragons)|riot of King's Landing]] led to Rhaenyra abandoning the capital. When Ser [[Perkin the Flea]] and his followers gained control of the [[Red Keep]] and crowned [[Trystane Truefyre]] during the [[Moon of the Three Kings]], Larys emerged and walked into the Red Keep, where he was greeted by Perkin and given a place of honor at the side of Trystane.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}
  
Larys remained behind in [[King's Landing]], strategically working in secret to undermine Rhaenyra's hold on the capital. When Queen [[Helaena Targaryen]] committed suicide, a rumor was spread throughout the city that she was murdered on the orders of Queen Rhaneyra. [[Mushroom]] in his writings accuses Larys of being the source for this slander. A massive [[Riot of King's Landing (Dance of the Dragons)|riot]] broke out in [[King's Landing]] forcing Rhaenyra to eventually abandon the city. [[Moon of the Three Kings|Rival factions]] seized control of several parts of the city at this time. When Ser [[Perkin the Flea]] and his followers gained control of the [[Red Keep]] and crowned [[Trystane Truefyre]], Larys finally emerged from hiding in the throne room.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}
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Larys feigned support to the pretender Trystane and secured the release of Alicent, Grand Maester [[Orwyle]], and Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]. When the host of Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] arrived outside King's Landing, Larys offered to treat with the [[Lord of Storm's End]] on Trystane's behalf. Larys instead conspired with Perkin and the greens to betray Trystane and give the city to supporters of Aegon II. A full pardon was promised to Perkin and all his followers in exchange for their aid in restoring the capital to King Aegon, who had killed Rhaenyra after the [[fall of Dragonstone]]. However, the pardon was not extended to Trystane, who was later executed. Larys agreed to a betrothal with one of Borros's daughters, [[Floris Baratheon]]. When Alicent advocated that Corlys should be killed for having supported Rhaenrya, Larys pointed out that her son, Aegon, was on [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]] surrounded by a [[House Velaryon|Velaryon]] fleet. The Clubfoot suggested to Alicent they pardon Corlys and wait until the war's end before quietly disposing of him.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
  
Larys feigned support to the pretender Trystane and even secured the release of Queen [[Alicent Hightower]], [[Grand Maester]] [[Orwyle]] and Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]. When the host of Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] arrived outside [[King's Landing]]. Larys offered to treat with Lord Borros on Trystane's behalf but instead conspired with Perkin the Flea and the greens to betray Trystane and give the city to supporters of [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. A full pardon was promised to Ser Perkin and all his followers in exchange for their aid in restoring the capital to King Aegon, the pardon wasn't extended to Trystane who would later be executed.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
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During a meeting of the council after Aegon's return, Corlys Velaryon was outraged by the suggestion of Ser [[Tyland Lannister]] to execute Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]], Rhaenyra's surviving son who was held captive by the greens. Lord Strong convinced Aegon II not to punish Corlys, as that would make [[Alyn Velaryon]] an enemy. After the meeting, Larys discreetly alerted Corlys of the plot to eventually murder him, and the Clubfoot persuaded the Sea Snake to be part of a scheme of his own devising.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
  
Queen Alicent advocated that Lord Corlys should be killed too, Lord Larys pointed out that her son, Aegon was on [[Dragonstone]] surrounded by a [[House Velaryon|Velaryon]] fleet and suggested to pardon Lord Corlys and wait until the wars end before quietly disposing of him. The clubfoot in due course though discreetly alerted Corlys to the plot to assassinate him and persuaded the Sea Snake to be part of a scheme of Larys own devising. Historians are vexed at why the Clubfoot did this, some suspecting it was posthumous revenge when he learned of the massacre of his [[House Strong|house]] by Prince Aemond, others that he was planting a seed in the event the tide turned against King Aegon II.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
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After the defeat of Lord Borros and his army at the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]], King Aegon declined Lord Velaryon's recommendation to surrender. Larys had Princess [[Baela Targaryen]] clandestinely spirited away so she could not be used as a hostage against Corlys. Aegon II was soon found dead with blood on his lips, murdered by [[poison]]. Larys and Corlys had the few loyalists remaining either killed or imprisoned and persuaded the remaining greens to surrender as the [[Lads]] descended on the capital.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
  
After the defeat of Lord Borros and his army at the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]], Larys had [[Baela Targaryen]] clandestinely spirited away so she could not be used as a hostage against Lord Corlys. King Aegon was soon found dead with blood on his lips, murdered by poison. Larys and Lord Corlys had the few loyalists remaining either killed or imprisoned and persuaded the remaining greens to surrender as the [[Lads|Riverlords]] descended on the capital. At first the scheme of the clubfoot seemed to have been successful, nevertheless, the arrival of Lord [[Cregan Stark]] and his Northmen to the capital turned the fortunes of Lord Larys and his co-conspirators. Lord Cregan though loyal to the promises he had made to the late [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], was incensed at the dishonorable manner of Aegon II's death. Larys along with dozens of others were arrested by Cregan for the ignominious assassination of Aegon II.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
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Aegon II was succeeded as king by Aegon the Younger, who wed Princess Jaehaera.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} When the [[riverlands|riverlords]] reached King's Landing, they were joyously greeted by [[smallfolk]], a welcome presumably devised by the Clubfoot.{{ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
  
 
===Hour of the Wolf===
 
===Hour of the Wolf===
 
[[File:clubfoots end.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Lord Larys's and Ser [[Gyles Belgrave]]'s end, as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.]]
 
[[File:clubfoots end.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Lord Larys's and Ser [[Gyles Belgrave]]'s end, as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.]]
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Fortunes turned against Lord Strong and his conspirators with the arrival of the [[north]]ern army of Lord [[Cregan Stark]], who briefly became [[Hand of the King]] to [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. Despite having been a supporter of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Cregan objected to the murder of [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. Grand Maester [[Orwyle]] confessed to having given Larys the [[poison]] used to kill Aegon the Elder, and Ser [[Perkin the Flea]] confessed to being the Clubfoot's agent. While Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] admitted to having conspired against Aegon for the good of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], Larys refused to confirm or deny Cregan's accusations. Lord Stark condemned both of the great lords, but [[Alysanne Blackwood]] convinced him to spare Lord Velaryon.{{ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
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While most of those found guilty followed Perkin in [[Night's Watch|taking the black]], Lord Larys and Ser [[Gyles Belgrave]] of the [[Kingsguard]] chose death over the [[Wall]]. Cregan beheaded the pair with his [[Valyrian steel]] greatsword, [[Ice]]. Cregan granted Larys's last request, that his clubfoot be removed from his corpse so Larys would at least be free of it in death.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
  
After the [[poison]]ing of King [[Aegon II Targaryen]], Larys was one of the twenty-two people charged with and subsequently arrested for the king's murder by Lord [[Cregan Stark]]. Grand Maester [[Orwyle]] later confessed to giving Larys the poison used to kill the king. During the [[Hour of the Wolf|Judgement of the Wolf]], Lord Cregan presided over Larys's trial. While those found guilty were given the choice of taking the [[Night's Watch|black]] or face execution, Lord Larys and Ser [[Gyles Belgrave]] of the [[Kingsguard]] chose death over the [[Wall]]. Before his execution the Clubfoot requested to Lord Stark that after he was dead, his clubfoot be removed from his corpse so he would at least be free of it in death, Lord Cregan pledged to honor his wish. Lord Larys along with Ser Gyles were executed, their heads mounted on pikes by the gates of the Red Keep. At a later date, his remains (minus his clubfoot) were taken to [[Harrenhal]] as his final resting place. As Larys was the last of his line, his death brought an end to [[House Strong]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath — The Hour of the Wolf}}
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The heads of Larys and Gyles were mounted on pikes by the gates of the [[Red Keep]]. Lord Strong's corpse was given to the [[silent sisters]], and years later his bones were taken to [[Harrenhal]] as his final resting place. Cregan ordered that the removed foot be buried in a field, but the limb disappeared before that could occur.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} As Larys was the last of his line, his death brought an end to [[House Strong]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}
  
 
==Quotes by Larys==
 
==Quotes by Larys==
{{Quote|When was a [[House Stark|wolf]] ever moved by words?{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath The Hour of the Wolf}}|Larys to [[Cregan Stark]]}}
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{{Quote|When was a [[House Stark|wolf]] ever moved by words?{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}|Larys to [[Cregan Stark]]}}
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{{Quote|When I am dead, hack off my clubfoot with [[Ice|that great sword]] of yours. I have dragged it with me all through life, let me be free of it in death at least.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}|Larys to [[Cregan Stark]]}}
  
 
==Quotes about Larys==
 
==Quotes about Larys==
{{Quote|A man who gathers [[master of whisperers|whispers]] can spread them just as well.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|writtings by [[Mushroom]]}}
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{{Quote|A man who gathers [[master of whisperers|whispers]] can spread them just as well.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|writings of [[Mushroom]]}}
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{{quote|Was there ever a man as devious as the Clubfoot? Oh, he would have made a splendid [[fool]], that one. The words dripped from his lips like honey from a comb, and never did [[poison]] taste so sweet.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}|writings of [[Mushroom]]}}
  
{{Quote|The enigma that is Larys Strong the Clubfoot has vexed students of history for generations, and is not one we can hope to unravel here.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}
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{{Quote|The enigma that is Larys Strong the Clubfoot has vexed students of history for generations, and is not one we can hope to unravel here. Where did his true loyalty lie? What was he about?{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}
  
 
==Family==
 
==Family==
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[[ru:Ларис Стронг]]

Revision as of 21:52, 26 July 2019

House Strong.svg
Larys Strong
House Strong.svg
Clubfoot.jpg
Larys Strong as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in Fire & Blood.

Aliases
  • Larys the Clubfoot[1]
  • Larys Clubfoot[1]
  • The Clubfoot[2]
Titles
Allegiances
Culture Rivermen
Died 131 AC[3]
King's Landing[3]
Books

Larys Strong, known as Larys Clubfoot or the Clubfoot, was the Lord of Harrenhal and head of House Strong during the latter part of the reign of Viserys I Targaryen and the reign of Aegon II Targaryen. He served on the small council as the master of whisperers and Lord Confessor for both kings.[1]

Appearance and Character

One of Larys's feet was twisted at birth, so he dragged it with a limp.[3]

Larys rarely spoke, preferring to listen. When he did so it was either to be glib or share words of great importance.[4] The Clubfoot was an enigmatic and cunning man.[2] Although he could be convincing and amiable when needed,[5] he kept his own counsel and was largely friendless.[3]

History

Reign of Viserys I

In 105 AC, Larys was brought to court by his father, Lord Lyonel Strong, alongside his older brother, Harwin, and two sisters. Larys joined the confessors of King Viserys I Targaryen.[1][6]

In 120 AC, Lyonel and Harwin died in a fire at Harrenhal, leaving Larys to inherit his father's seat and title as Lord of Harrenhal. Although the cause of the fire was never determined, one of the suggestions to have been put forth was that Larys had caused the fire.[1][6][7] Other suggested culprits were Prince Daemon Targaryen, Lord Corlys Velaryon, King Viserys I himself, and the curse of Black Harren.[1][6]

Larys eventually became the Lord Confessor and master of whisperers on Viserys's small council.[1]

Dance of the Dragons

When King Viserys I died in 129 AC, Larys was part of the green faction at court. He attended the meeting of the small council which agreed to support Aegon II Targaryen against his older half-sister, Rhaenyra Targaryen. Larys cut his palm and had the male conspirators in attendance swear a blood oath.[4]

When the Dance of the Dragons broke out, Larys's castle was taken by Prince Daemon Targaryen in the assault on Harrenhal.[8] Aegon's mother, Queen Alicent Hightower, allegedly ordered Larys to torture Blood after the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen.[8] The Clubfoot drew up lists of blacks whom Ser Criston Cole could march against.[9]

Larys escaped capture during the fall of King's Landing to Rhaenyra in 130 AC.[9] He spirited Aegon, who was still recovering from the battle at Rook's Rest, and the king's two remaining children, Prince Maelor and Princess Jaehaera, from the Red Keep through a secret passage which led them out of the capital while bypassing the city's gates. Larys insisted the group part ways and ordered Ser Rickard Thorne of Aegon's Kingsguard to bring Maelor to Lord Lyonel Hightower at Oldtown, and Ser Willis Fell of the Kingsguard to escort Jaehaera to Lord Borros Baratheon at Storm's End. Larys disguised King Aegon as a commoner and sent him to Dragonstone under the care of Ser Marston Waters, believing her own stronghold would be the last place Rhaenyra would think to search for her half brother.[10][11]

On campaign in the riverlands, Prince Aemond Targaryen believed Larys had somehow aided Rhaenyra in the capital's fall. Aegon's brother had every member of House Strong at Harrenhal killed.[2]

Larys remained in King's Landing, strategically working in secret to undermine Rhaenyra's hold on the capital. When Queen Helaena Targaryen committed suicide, a rumor was spread throughout the city that she was murdered on the orders of Rhaneyra. Mushroom in his writings accused Larys of being the source for this slander.[10]

The massive riot of King's Landing led to Rhaenyra abandoning the capital. When Ser Perkin the Flea and his followers gained control of the Red Keep and crowned Trystane Truefyre during the Moon of the Three Kings, Larys emerged and walked into the Red Keep, where he was greeted by Perkin and given a place of honor at the side of Trystane.[10]

Larys feigned support to the pretender Trystane and secured the release of Alicent, Grand Maester Orwyle, and Lord Corlys Velaryon. When the host of Lord Borros Baratheon arrived outside King's Landing, Larys offered to treat with the Lord of Storm's End on Trystane's behalf. Larys instead conspired with Perkin and the greens to betray Trystane and give the city to supporters of Aegon II. A full pardon was promised to Perkin and all his followers in exchange for their aid in restoring the capital to King Aegon, who had killed Rhaenyra after the fall of Dragonstone. However, the pardon was not extended to Trystane, who was later executed. Larys agreed to a betrothal with one of Borros's daughters, Floris Baratheon. When Alicent advocated that Corlys should be killed for having supported Rhaenrya, Larys pointed out that her son, Aegon, was on Dragonstone surrounded by a Velaryon fleet. The Clubfoot suggested to Alicent they pardon Corlys and wait until the war's end before quietly disposing of him.[5]

During a meeting of the council after Aegon's return, Corlys Velaryon was outraged by the suggestion of Ser Tyland Lannister to execute Prince Aegon the Younger, Rhaenyra's surviving son who was held captive by the greens. Lord Strong convinced Aegon II not to punish Corlys, as that would make Alyn Velaryon an enemy. After the meeting, Larys discreetly alerted Corlys of the plot to eventually murder him, and the Clubfoot persuaded the Sea Snake to be part of a scheme of his own devising.[5]

After the defeat of Lord Borros and his army at the Battle of the Kingsroad, King Aegon declined Lord Velaryon's recommendation to surrender. Larys had Princess Baela Targaryen clandestinely spirited away so she could not be used as a hostage against Corlys. Aegon II was soon found dead with blood on his lips, murdered by poison. Larys and Corlys had the few loyalists remaining either killed or imprisoned and persuaded the remaining greens to surrender as the Lads descended on the capital.[5]

Aegon II was succeeded as king by Aegon the Younger, who wed Princess Jaehaera.[5] When the riverlords reached King's Landing, they were joyously greeted by smallfolk, a welcome presumably devised by the Clubfoot.[3]

Hour of the Wolf

Lord Larys's and Ser Gyles Belgrave's end, as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in Fire & Blood.

Fortunes turned against Lord Strong and his conspirators with the arrival of the northern army of Lord Cregan Stark, who briefly became Hand of the King to Aegon III Targaryen. Despite having been a supporter of Rhaenyra Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons, Cregan objected to the murder of Aegon II Targaryen. Grand Maester Orwyle confessed to having given Larys the poison used to kill Aegon the Elder, and Ser Perkin the Flea confessed to being the Clubfoot's agent. While Lord Corlys Velaryon admitted to having conspired against Aegon for the good of the Seven Kingdoms, Larys refused to confirm or deny Cregan's accusations. Lord Stark condemned both of the great lords, but Alysanne Blackwood convinced him to spare Lord Velaryon.[3]

While most of those found guilty followed Perkin in taking the black, Lord Larys and Ser Gyles Belgrave of the Kingsguard chose death over the Wall. Cregan beheaded the pair with his Valyrian steel greatsword, Ice. Cregan granted Larys's last request, that his clubfoot be removed from his corpse so Larys would at least be free of it in death.[3]

The heads of Larys and Gyles were mounted on pikes by the gates of the Red Keep. Lord Strong's corpse was given to the silent sisters, and years later his bones were taken to Harrenhal as his final resting place. Cregan ordered that the removed foot be buried in a field, but the limb disappeared before that could occur.[3] As Larys was the last of his line, his death brought an end to House Strong.[12]

Quotes by Larys

When was a wolf ever moved by words?[3]

—Larys to Cregan Stark

When I am dead, hack off my clubfoot with that great sword of yours. I have dragged it with me all through life, let me be free of it in death at least.[3]

—Larys to Cregan Stark

Quotes about Larys

A man who gathers whispers can spread them just as well.[2]

—writings of Mushroom

Was there ever a man as devious as the Clubfoot? Oh, he would have made a splendid fool, that one. The words dripped from his lips like honey from a comb, and never did poison taste so sweet.[5]

—writings of Mushroom

The enigma that is Larys Strong the Clubfoot has vexed students of history for generations, and is not one we can hope to unravel here. Where did his true loyalty lie? What was he about?[5]

—writings of Gyldayn

Family

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown
Strong
 
Unknown
wife
 
Simon
 
Unknown
wife
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown
woman
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lyonel
 
Unknown
three wives
 
Unknown
Strong
 
Unknown
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown
man
 
Alys Rivers
[Note 1][Note 2]
 
Aemond
Targaryen
 
Harwin
 
Larys
 
Two
daughters
 
Grandsons
 
Bastards
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stillborn
children
 
Son
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes:
  1. Both Grand Maester Munkun and Septon Eustace believed Alys Rivers to have been the bastard daughter of Lord Lyonel Strong.
  2. In 132 AC, Alys claimed to have wed Prince Aemond before his death.


References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 Fire & Blood, Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I.
  7. The World of Ice & Fire, The Riverlands: House Tully.
  8. 8.0 8.1 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son.
  9. 9.0 9.1 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown.
  11. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II.
  12. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III.