Difference between revisions of "Maesters"

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{{Organization  
 
{{Organization  
 
| Name = Order of Maesters
 
| Name = Order of Maesters
| image = [[File:Maester link by timdurning.jpg|350px]]
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| image = [[File:Thaldir Oldtown Scholar.jpg|350px]]
| image_caption = A maester's chain, with links of different metals<br>Art by Tim Durning ©
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| image_caption = A maester of the [[Citadel]] by Tiziano Baracchi © Fantasy Flight Games
 
| Symbol =  
 
| Symbol =  
 
| Type  =  
 
| Type  =  
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}}
 
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The '''maesters''' are an order of scholars, healers, messengers, and scientists. They educate new students at their "seat", the [[Citadel]], which is located in [[Oldtown]], a city in the [[Reach]]. [[House Hightower]] was integral in the Citadel's foundation, and continues to patronize the order. As advisers to the [[Westeros]]i nobility, the maesters have largely supplanted the [[Alchemists' Guild]].{{ref|acok|20}} They are sometimes called "the [[knight]]s of the mind."{{ref|AGOT|53}}
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The '''maesters''' are an order of scholars, healers, messengers, and scientists. They educate new students at the [[Citadel]], which is located in [[Oldtown]], a city in the [[Reach]]. [[House Hightower]] was integral in the Citadel's foundation, and continues to patronize the order. As advisers to the [[Westeros]]i nobility, the maesters have largely supplanted the [[Alchemists' Guild]].{{ref|acok|20}} They are sometimes called "the [[knight]]s of the mind."{{ref|AGOT|53}}
  
 
==Organization==
 
==Organization==
===Seneschal===
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===Novices and Acolytes===
The governance of the [[Citadel]] is held by the [[Seneschal]], chosen from among the archmaesters. A new Seneschal is appointed annually. Because the archmaesters tend to see the office as a thankless task, as it takes them away from their true work, the Seneschal is selected by lot, with the one who draws the black stone taking on the office.{{Ref|affc|45}} When the archmaester who draws the black stone is not capable of fulfilling his duties as Seneschal, another archmaester might volunteer to serve his term instead.{{Ref|affc|45}}
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Students who start their education at the [[Citadel]] are known as novices. Once they have earned a link, they become acolytes.{{ref|affc|prologue}} Most acolytes treat novices as if they are slow-witted.{{Ref|affc|prologue}} Acolytes train at letters at the [[Scribe's Hearth]],{{Ref|twoiaf|Preface}} and can be hired by [[Oldtown]]ers to read their letters or write their wills.{{Ref|affc|45}} When an acolyte is prepared to take his vows and become a maester, he is placed in a completely dark room with one of the Citadel's [[glass candles]], made of razor-sharp [[obsidian]]. He must stay in that room for the entire night in darkness, unless he is able to light the candle. The tradition serves as a lesson about truth and learning.{{Ref|affc|prologue}}
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 +
Students who violate the rules of the Citadel can be ordered confined to their rooms by the maesters.{{Ref|affc|0}} They can also receive more physical punishments. For example, for stealing from the kitchens, rectors might place them in stocks at the Seneschal's Court, where acolytes may throw rotten vegetables at them.{{Ref|affc|45}}
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===Maesters===
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[[File:Chris Rallis FFG card maester.JPG|thumb||350px|A maester reads a message brought by a [[raven]], by Chris Rallis © Fantasy Flight Games]]
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Maesters are scholars and healers who have completed their training at the Citadel. They can be sent by the Citadel to serve at the holding of a [[lord]] throughout the [[Seven Kingdoms]]. Maesters are only found in castles;{{Ref|acok|19}} if a lord does not have a maester in his service, he is seen as unimportant.{{Ref|adwd|37}} [[Aegon I Targaryen]] and his sister wives each had a maester during [[Aegon's Conquest|the Conquest]], and as king Aegon had as many as six serving him, separate from the Grand Maester.{{Ref|fab|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}} A lord has to pay the Citadel for a maester's service,<ref name=conjose/> and [[smallfolk]] believe that maesters are unwilling to help them.{{Ref|acok|19}}
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 +
Maesters wear a collar, which is supposed to remind him of the realm he serves.{{Ref|agot|41}} When he completes his education and takes his vows, a maester puts aside his House name.{{Ref|agot|60}} Although he is supposed to be loyal to the seat to which he is assigned, regardless of the changes in control of that holding,{{Ref|acok|66}} old allegiances or loyalties might continue linger.{{Ref|adwd|37}}
  
 
===Archmaesters===
 
===Archmaesters===
Further leading the Citadel are the '''archmaesters'''. These maesters have demonstrated that they have mastered a particular subject. They receive a mask, ring, and rod in the metal corresponding to the link of the maester's chain which signifies their expertise on the topic.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} Archmaesters teach the students at the Citadel in their subject of expertise, and judge whether a novice or an acolyte has shown enough knowledge on their subject to receive a link for their chain.{{ref|affc|prologue}}
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Archmaesters are maesters who have demonstrated mastery of a particular subject. They receive a mask, ring, and rod in the metal corresponding to the link of the maester's chain which signifies their expertise on the topic.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} Archmaesters teach the students at the Citadel in their subject of expertise, and they judge whether a novice or an acolyte has shown enough knowledge on their subject to receive a link for their chain.{{ref|affc|prologue}}
  
 
Archmaesters have the right to sit on the [[Conclave]], a council which elects the Grand Maester{{ref|asos|12}} and determines when the seasons change.{{ref|acok|0}}{{Ref|acok|7}} The meetings of the Conclave are conducted behind closed doors at the Citadel.{{ref|asos|12}}  
 
Archmaesters have the right to sit on the [[Conclave]], a council which elects the Grand Maester{{ref|asos|12}} and determines when the seasons change.{{ref|acok|0}}{{Ref|acok|7}} The meetings of the Conclave are conducted behind closed doors at the Citadel.{{ref|asos|12}}  
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Each archmaester is said to carry a heavy, black iron key that will open most of the doors in the Citadel. They keep them close on their person, or hide them well.{{Ref|affc|0}}
 
Each archmaester is said to carry a heavy, black iron key that will open most of the doors in the Citadel. They keep them close on their person, or hide them well.{{Ref|affc|0}}
  
===Grand Maesters===  
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===Grand Maesters===
The office of '''Grand Maester''' was created in {{Date|5}} by [[Aegon I Targaryen]], who asked for an archmaester to advise him on governing the kingdom.{{Ref|fab|Three Heads had the Dragon - Governance under Aegon I}} Sworn to serve the whole realm,{{ref|AFFC|39}} the Grand Maester sits on the king's [[small council]] and acts as one of the royal advisers.{{ref|agot|20}} As the Citadel's representative at the royal court of the [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men|king]] on the [[Iron Throne]], the [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]],{{ref|AWOIAF| Maesters}} the Grand Maester is elected by the Conclave, and only the Conclave can unmake him again, although several Grand Maesters have died violently. King [[Maegor I Targaryen]] executed three Grand Maesters during his reign,{{Ref|asos|12}} Grand Maester [[Gawen]], [[Myres]] and [[Desmond]],{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}} while [[Aegon II Targaryen]] had Grand Maester [[Gerardys]] fed to his dragon [[Sunfyre]].{{ref|asos|12}} Grand Maester [[Hareth (Maester)|Hareth]] was executed as well, on grounds of treason.{{Ref|asos|36}}{{ref|asos|12}}  
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[[File:Joshua Cairos - GrandMaester Pycelle.jpg|thumb|350px|Grand Maester [[Pycelle]] by Joshua Cairós © Fantasy Flight Games]]
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The office of Grand Maester was created in {{Date|5}} by [[Aegon I Targaryen]], who asked for an archmaester to advise him on governing the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|fab|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}} Sworn to serve the whole realm,{{ref|AFFC|39}} the Grand Maester sits on the king's [[small council]] and acts as one of the royal advisers.{{ref|agot|20}} As the Citadel's representative at the royal court of the [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men|king]] on the [[Iron Throne]]{{ref|AWOIAF|Maesters}} the Grand Maester is elected by the Conclave, and only the Conclave can unmake him again, although several Grand Maesters have died violently. King [[Maegor I Targaryen]] executed three Grand Maesters during his reign{{Ref|asos|12}}[[Gawen]], [[Myros]], and [[Desmond (Grand Maester)|Desmond]]{{Ref|twoiaf|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}—while [[Aegon II Targaryen]] had Grand Maester [[Gerardys]] fed to his dragon [[Sunfyre]].{{ref|asos|12}} Grand Maester [[Hareth (Maester)|Hareth]] was executed as well, on grounds of treason.{{Ref|asos|36}}{{ref|asos|12}}  
  
 
Although the Conclave puts effort into demonstrating their consideration of ability before birth, this is only a pretense as is not usually the case in its final choice for Grand Maester.{{Ref|asos|12}}
 
Although the Conclave puts effort into demonstrating their consideration of ability before birth, this is only a pretense as is not usually the case in its final choice for Grand Maester.{{Ref|asos|12}}
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Grand Maesters are generally older men. [[Kaeth]] was chosen as Grand Maester at the age of eighty, [[Ellendor]] at almost ninety, and [[Merion]] at the age of sixty-six. After all three died within a short time span, King [[Aegon V Targaryen]] suggested to the Conclave that a younger man might be better. As such, [[Pycelle]], aged forty-two, was raised to the office.{{Ref|affc|36}}
 
Grand Maesters are generally older men. [[Kaeth]] was chosen as Grand Maester at the age of eighty, [[Ellendor]] at almost ninety, and [[Merion]] at the age of sixty-six. After all three died within a short time span, King [[Aegon V Targaryen]] suggested to the Conclave that a younger man might be better. As such, [[Pycelle]], aged forty-two, was raised to the office.{{Ref|affc|36}}
  
===Maesters===
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===Seneschal===
[[File:Maester Duity.jpg|thumb|350px|A maester at his service]]
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The governance of the [[Citadel]] is held by the [[Seneschal]], who is chosen from among the archmaesters. A new Seneschal is appointed annually. Because the archmaesters tend to see the office as a thankless task, as it takes them away from their true work, the Seneschal is selected by lot, with the one who draws the black stone taking on the office.{{Ref|affc|45}} When the archmaester who draws the black stone is not capable of fulfilling his duties as Seneschal, another archmaester might volunteer to serve his term instead.{{Ref|affc|45}}
The maesters are scholars and healers who have completed their training at the Citadel. They can be send to serve at the holding of a lord by the Citadel. Maesters are only found in castles;{{Ref|acok|19}} if a lord does not have a maester in his service, he is seen as unimportant.{{Ref|adwd|37}} Aegon I Targaryen and his sister wives each had a maester during the [[Conquest]], and as king Aegon had as many as six serving him, separate from the Grand Maester.{{Ref|fab|Three Heads had the Dragon - Governance under Aegon I}} A lord has to pay the Citadel for a maester’s service,<ref name=conjose/> and [[smallfolk]] believe that maesters are unwilling to help them.{{Ref|acok|19}}
 
 
 
Maesters wear a collar, which is supposed to remind him of the realm he serves.{{Ref|agot|41}} When he completes his education and takes his vows, a maester puts aside his House name.{{Ref|agot|60}} Although he is supposed to be loyal to the seat to which he is assigned, regardless of the changes in control of that holding,{{Ref|acok|66}} old allegiances or loyalties might continue linger.{{Ref|adwd|37}}
 
 
 
===Novices and Acolytes===
 
Students who start their education at the Citadel are known as novices. Once they have earned a link, they become acolytes.{{ref|affc|prologue}} Most acolytes treat novices as if they are slow-witted.{{Ref|affc|prologue}} Acolytes train at letters at the [[Scribe's Hearth]],{{Ref|twoiaf| Preface}} and can be hired by [[Oldtown]]ers to read their letters or write their wills.{{Ref|affc|45}} When an acolyte is prepared to take his vows and become a maester, he is placed in a completely dark room with one of the Citadel's glass candles, made of razor-sharp obsidian. He must stay in that room for the entire night in darkness, unless he is able to light the candle. The tradition serves as a lesson about truth and learning.{{Ref|affc|prologue}}
 
 
 
Students who violate the rules of the Citadel can be ordered confined to their rooms by the maesters.{{Ref|affc|0}} They can also receive more physical punishments. For example, for stealing from the kitchens, rectors might place them in stocks at the Seneschal's Court, where acolytes may throw rotten vegetables at them.{{Ref|affc|45}}
 
  
 
==Practices==
 
==Practices==
 
===Education===
 
===Education===
[[File:Maester studies.jpg|thumb|350px|A maester at his studies]]
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[[File:Maester studies.jpg|thumb|350px|A maester at his studies, from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' Blu-ray]]
Boys and young men from all over [[Westeros]] come to study, learn, and forge their chains at the [[Citadel]].{{Ref|twoiaf| The Reach: Oldtown}} There is no age requirement,<ref name=SSM_Requirements>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Citadel_Entry_Requirements/ Citadel Entry Requirements (May 18, 1999)]</ref> and despite the prejudice of the archmaesters to status of birth, males of every social status are allowed to forge their chain. As such, [[small folk|baseborns]] (e.g., [[Pate]]),{{Ref|affc|prologue}} [[Bastardy|bastards]] (e.g., [[Walys]]){{Ref|ADWD|37}}, younger children of lords, and even royalty (e.g., Prince [[Oberyn Martell]],{{Ref|asos|36}} and Princes [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]]{{Ref|agot|60}} and [[Vaegon Targaryen]]){{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} can study together at the Citadel.
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Boys and young men from all over [[Westeros]] come to study, learn, and forge their chains at the [[Citadel]].{{Ref|twoiaf|The Reach: Oldtown}} There is no age requirement,<ref name=SSM_Requirements>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Citadel_Entry_Requirements/ Citadel Entry Requirements (May 18, 1999)]</ref> and despite the prejudice of the archmaesters to status of birth, males of every social status are allowed to forge their chain. As such, [[small folk|baseborns]] (e.g., [[Pate (novice)|Pate]]),{{Ref|affc|prologue}} [[Bastardy|bastards]] (e.g., [[Walys]]){{Ref|ADWD|37}}, younger children of lords, and even royalty (e.g., Prince [[Oberyn Martell]],{{Ref|asos|36}} and Princes [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]]{{Ref|agot|60}} and [[Vaegon Targaryen]]){{Ref|twoiaf|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} can study together at the Citadel.
  
 
Novices and acolytes are educated together. Archmaesters give open lectures, which the students can attend at will. Once a student believes he has sufficient knowledge on a particular subject, he can go before an archmaester to demonstrate his knowledge. If the archmaester judges the student’s knowledge to be proficient, he awards him with a link of a metal reflecting the topic.{{Ref|affc|0}}
 
Novices and acolytes are educated together. Archmaesters give open lectures, which the students can attend at will. Once a student believes he has sufficient knowledge on a particular subject, he can go before an archmaester to demonstrate his knowledge. If the archmaester judges the student’s knowledge to be proficient, he awards him with a link of a metal reflecting the topic.{{Ref|affc|0}}
  
Not all who start their studies will complete their chain. Oldtown is full of aging novices and acolytes who have never started their chains, or never finished forging them.<ref name=SSM_Requirements/> Others leave the Citadel before completing their chain on purpose. [[Gunthor Hightower]] studied for several years at the Citadel,{{Ref|affc|45}} although it is not known whether he earned any links while there. Both Lord [[Lyonel Strong]],{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}} and Prince [[Oberyn Martell]]{{Ref|asos|36}} left the Citadel after forging six links. Some students learn only something about healing, and may become barbers, serving [[smallfolk]] with leeches, setting broken bones, and shaving and cutting their hair.{{Ref|affc|0}}
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Not all who start their studies will complete their chain. Oldtown is full of aging novices and acolytes who have never started their chains, or never finished forging them.<ref name=SSM_Requirements/> Others leave the Citadel before completing their chain on purpose. [[Gunthor Hightower]] studied for several years at the Citadel,{{Ref|affc|45}} although it is not known whether he earned any links while there. Both Lord [[Lyonel Strong]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}} and Prince [[Oberyn Martell]]{{Ref|asos|36}} left the Citadel after forging six links. Some students learn only something about healing, and may become barbers, serving [[smallfolk]] with leeches, setting broken bones, and shaving and cutting their hair.{{Ref|affc|0}}
  
It is not known how long a student generally takes to forge a chain. Maester [[Yandel]] earned his first link in {{Date|285}} and completed his chain in {{Date|292}}, at the age of twenty,{{Ref|twoiaf| Preface}} while [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]], who took several more years to forge his chain,<ref group="N">According to [[Jeor Mormont]], Aemon was "nine or ten" years old when he was sent to the Citadel (''[[A Clash of Kings]]'', [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 6|Jon I]]). As he completed his chain at the age of nineteen, it had taken him nine or ten years to complete his studies.</ref> took his maester's vows at the age of nineteen.{{Ref|awoiaf| Aemon}} The speed at which a student earns his links differs between each student. While some might take a year per link (e.g., [[Armen]]),{{Ref|affc|prologue}} exceptional students might earn as many as three links within a year (e.g., [[Alleras]]),{{Ref|affc|0}} possibly even more.<ref group="N">[[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] had started his education at the age of "nine or ten", and earned "half a dozen" links by the time [[Aerys I Targaryen]] ascended the Iron Throne in {{Date|209}} (''[[A Clash of Kings]]'', [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 6|Jon I]]), one or two years after arriving at the Citadel.</ref>
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It is not known how long a student generally takes to forge a chain. Maester [[Yandel]] earned his first link in {{Date|285}} and completed his chain in {{Date|292}}, at the age of twenty,{{Ref|twoiaf|Preface}} while [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]], who took several more years to forge his chain,<ref group="N">According to [[Jeor Mormont]], Aemon was "nine or ten" years old when he was sent to the Citadel (''[[A Clash of Kings]]'', [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 6|Jon I]]). As he completed his chain at the age of nineteen, it had taken him nine or ten years to complete his studies.</ref> took his maester's vows at the age of nineteen.{{Ref|awoiaf|Aemon}} The speed at which a student earns his links differs between each student. While some might take a year per link (e.g., [[Armen]]),{{Ref|affc|prologue}} exceptional students might earn as many as three links within a year (e.g., [[Alleras]]),{{Ref|affc|0}} possibly even more.<ref group="N">[[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] had started his education at the age of "nine or ten", and earned "half a dozen" links by the time [[Aerys I Targaryen]] ascended the Iron Throne in {{Date|209}} (''[[A Clash of Kings]]'', [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 6|Jon I]]), one or two years after arriving at the Citadel.</ref>
  
====Citadel====
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===Citadel===
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[[File:Maester Oath.jpg|thumb|350px|A maester taking the oath, from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' Blu-ray]]
 
Students are educated at the [[Citadel]], a complex of buildings found in [[Oldtown]]. The Citadel is financed by the lords who pay for having a maester in their service, and from certain taxes that the Citadel collects at Oldtown.<ref name=conjose>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1284/ ConJose (San Jose, CA; August 29-September 2)  (August 29, 2002)]</ref>
 
Students are educated at the [[Citadel]], a complex of buildings found in [[Oldtown]]. The Citadel is financed by the lords who pay for having a maester in their service, and from certain taxes that the Citadel collects at Oldtown.<ref name=conjose>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1284/ ConJose (San Jose, CA; August 29-September 2)  (August 29, 2002)]</ref>
  
 
===Maester's vows===
 
===Maester's vows===
[[File:Maester Oath.jpg|thumb|350px|A maester taking the oath]]
 
 
When an acolyte has completed his chain, he can swear a maester's vows. The night before, the acolytes must stand a vigil in a vault with a black [[glass candle]]. The acolytes are not allowed any other source of light, and has to spend the night in total darkness unless he can light the candle.{{ref|affc|0}}
 
When an acolyte has completed his chain, he can swear a maester's vows. The night before, the acolytes must stand a vigil in a vault with a black [[glass candle]]. The acolytes are not allowed any other source of light, and has to spend the night in total darkness unless he can light the candle.{{ref|affc|0}}
  
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===Subjects of knowledge and tasks===
 
===Subjects of knowledge and tasks===
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[[File:Kerry Barnett Linked Advisor.JPG|thumb|350px|A maester advises his lord, by Kerry Barnett © Fantasy Flight Games]]
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The order of maesters are sometimes called the knights of the mind.{{Ref|agot|53}} Numerous subjects are taught at the Citadel. They include history, healing, herblore, the speech of ravens, the building of castles, navigating by the stars, the measurement of days and the marking of seasons.{{Ref|agot|53}} Maesters have performed autopsies for centuries to better understand the workings of the human body.{{Ref|agot|61}}{{Ref|affc|7}} They have observed that highborn girls get their first period at a younger age than lower born girls, and that very young mothers tend to have a significantly higher rate of death in childbirth.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Age_of_Sexual_Relations_in_Westeros Age of Sexual Relations in Westeros (October 5, 1999)]</ref> They make star maps,{{Ref|agot|66}} monitor temperature variations and the march of the seasons, so they can advise on what to plant and when to expect a harvest,<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1173/ The Effects of Winter (June 21, 2001)]</ref> and measure the length of the days, as to determine the change of the seasons.{{ref|acok|0}} When the Conclave has decreed that the seasons have indeed changed, the Citadel sends out [[white raven]]s to the lords of Westeros, to herald the changing of the seasons.{{ref|acok|0}}
 
The order of maesters are sometimes called the knights of the mind.{{Ref|agot|53}} Numerous subjects are taught at the Citadel. They include history, healing, herblore, the speech of ravens, the building of castles, navigating by the stars, the measurement of days and the marking of seasons.{{Ref|agot|53}} Maesters have performed autopsies for centuries to better understand the workings of the human body.{{Ref|agot|61}}{{Ref|affc|7}} They have observed that highborn girls get their first period at a younger age than lower born girls, and that very young mothers tend to have a significantly higher rate of death in childbirth.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Age_of_Sexual_Relations_in_Westeros Age of Sexual Relations in Westeros (October 5, 1999)]</ref> They make star maps,{{Ref|agot|66}} monitor temperature variations and the march of the seasons, so they can advise on what to plant and when to expect a harvest,<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1173/ The Effects of Winter (June 21, 2001)]</ref> and measure the length of the days, as to determine the change of the seasons.{{ref|acok|0}} When the Conclave has decreed that the seasons have indeed changed, the Citadel sends out [[white raven]]s to the lords of Westeros, to herald the changing of the seasons.{{ref|acok|0}}
 
[[File:Kerry Barnett Linked Advisor.JPG|thumb|350px|A maester advises his lord. © FFG]]
 
  
 
Maesters advise their lords on the operation of their households and lands.{{ref|agot|6}}{{ref|asos|64}} Some lords trust their maesters to open and read letters, and to convey their contents to them. Others prefer to do so for themselves.{{Ref|adwd|3}} Maesters can be tasked with writing letters for their lords as well, and might be trusted to read and write the letters of those lords who are illiterate.{{Ref|adwd|37}} They are in charge of the [[raven]]s used as messengers. Although most ravens can only be trained to fly to one castle, a few can be trained to distinguish between two, and rarely even more.<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]</ref> Maesters assist in childbirth,{{ref|agot|6}} treat illnesses,{{ref|asos|36}} and teach children arithmetic, language, and history.{{ref|agot|53}}{{ref|acok|66}}{{ref|asos|40}}
 
Maesters advise their lords on the operation of their households and lands.{{ref|agot|6}}{{ref|asos|64}} Some lords trust their maesters to open and read letters, and to convey their contents to them. Others prefer to do so for themselves.{{Ref|adwd|3}} Maesters can be tasked with writing letters for their lords as well, and might be trusted to read and write the letters of those lords who are illiterate.{{Ref|adwd|37}} They are in charge of the [[raven]]s used as messengers. Although most ravens can only be trained to fly to one castle, a few can be trained to distinguish between two, and rarely even more.<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]</ref> Maesters assist in childbirth,{{ref|agot|6}} treat illnesses,{{ref|asos|36}} and teach children arithmetic, language, and history.{{ref|agot|53}}{{ref|acok|66}}{{ref|asos|40}}
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===Chain===
 
===Chain===
[[File:Mike Capprotti the chain.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Forging the chain - by Mike Capprotti. © Fantasy Flight Games]]
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[[File:Mike Capprotti the chain.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Forging the chain, by Mike Capprotti © Fantasy Flight Games]]
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[[File:Maester link by timdurning.jpg|thumb|350px|A maester's chain, with links of different metals, by Tim Durning © Fantasy Flight Games]]
 
A maester can be recognized by the chain he wears around his neck. The collar is intended to remind a maester of the realm he serves.{{Ref|agot|41}} The links of the chain can be made of every metal known to man.{{Ref|agot|20}} By earning their links, students "forge" their chain. This term is metaphorical; Though they do study metals at the Citadel, maesters do not necessarily train as blacksmiths<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1171/ Maester Chains and Valyrian Steel Links (June 20, 2001)]</ref>  Maesters never remove their chain, not even when sleeping,{{ref|agot|41}} and it is considered a great shame for a maester to surrender his chain.{{Ref|affc|35}} The Citadel can decide to strip a maester of his chain, thereby exiling him from the Citadel. This is done as a punishment for, for example, cutting open living people,{{Ref|affc|7}} or practicing necromancy.{{Ref|acok|64}}
 
A maester can be recognized by the chain he wears around his neck. The collar is intended to remind a maester of the realm he serves.{{Ref|agot|41}} The links of the chain can be made of every metal known to man.{{Ref|agot|20}} By earning their links, students "forge" their chain. This term is metaphorical; Though they do study metals at the Citadel, maesters do not necessarily train as blacksmiths<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1171/ Maester Chains and Valyrian Steel Links (June 20, 2001)]</ref>  Maesters never remove their chain, not even when sleeping,{{ref|agot|41}} and it is considered a great shame for a maester to surrender his chain.{{Ref|affc|35}} The Citadel can decide to strip a maester of his chain, thereby exiling him from the Citadel. This is done as a punishment for, for example, cutting open living people,{{Ref|affc|7}} or practicing necromancy.{{Ref|acok|64}}
  
Line 89: Line 91:
 
*black iron, signifying ravenry{{Ref|ACOK|28}}{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}}
 
*black iron, signifying ravenry{{Ref|ACOK|28}}{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}}
 
*brass{{Ref|AGOT|20}}
 
*brass{{Ref|AGOT|20}}
*bronze,{{Ref|AGOT|41}}{{Ref|AGOT|20}} signifying histories<ref group="N">Based on Archmaester Ollidar's description of "keeper of histories" (''[[Fire & Blood]]'', "Three Heads had the Dragon - Governance under Aegon I")</ref> and perhaps astronomy or astrology<ref group="N">Based on Archmaester Vaellyn's "subject to judge" being "the heavens" (''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', [[A Feast for Crows-Prologue|Prologue]]) and him being described as "the stargazer" (''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', [[A Feast for Crows-Appendix|Appendix]])</ref>
+
*bronze,{{Ref|AGOT|41}}{{Ref|AGOT|20}} signifying histories<ref group="N">Based on Archmaester Ollidar's description of "keeper of histories" (''[[Fire & Blood]]'', "Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I")</ref> and perhaps astronomy or astrology<ref group="N">Based on Archmaester Vaellyn's "subject to judge" being "the heavens" (''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', [[A Feast for Crows-Prologue|Prologue]]) and him being described as "the stargazer" (''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', [[A Feast for Crows-Appendix|Appendix]])</ref>
 
*copper{{Ref|AGOT|41}}{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}}{{Ref|AGOT|20}}
 
*copper{{Ref|AGOT|41}}{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}}{{Ref|AGOT|20}}
 
*electrum{{Ref|affc|Appendix}}
 
*electrum{{Ref|affc|Appendix}}
*yellow gold, signifying math and economics{{Ref|ACOK|28}}{{Ref|AGOT|41}}
+
*yellow gold, signifying mathematics and economics{{Ref|ACOK|28}}{{Ref|AGOT|41}}
 
*iron,{{Ref|AGOT|20}} signifying warcraft{{Ref|AGOT|41}}
 
*iron,{{Ref|AGOT|20}} signifying warcraft{{Ref|AGOT|41}}
 
*lead{{Ref|AGOT|41}}{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}}{{Ref|AGOT|20}}
 
*lead{{Ref|AGOT|41}}{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}}{{Ref|AGOT|20}}
Line 110: Line 112:
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Although the origin of the Citadel is disputed, the [[House Hightower|Hightowers]] are considered to have been instrumental in its founding,{{ref|affc|Appendix}} as most accounts credit its foundation to Prince [[Peremore Hightower|Peremore the Twisted]], the second son of King [[Uthor of the High Tower]]. The curious Peremore invited numerous scholars, including wise men, teachers, priests, healers, singers, wizards, alchemists, and sorcerors, to [[Oldtown]]. After Peremore's death, his brother, King [[Urrigon Hightower|Urrigon]], granted land alongside the [[Honeywine]] to "Peremore's pets", who developed the tract into the maesters' Citadel.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: Oldtown}}
+
Although the origin of the Citadel is disputed, the [[House Hightower|Hightowers]] are considered to have been instrumental in its founding,{{ref|affc|Appendix}} as most accounts credit its foundation to Prince [[Peremore Hightower|Peremore the Twisted]], the second son of King [[Uthor of the High Tower]]. The curious Peremore invited numerous scholars, including wise men, teachers, priests, healers, singers, wizards, alchemists, and sorcerors, to [[Oldtown]]. After Peremore's death, his brother, King [[Urrigon Hightower|Urrigon]], granted land alongside the [[Honeywine]] to "Peremore's pets", who developed the tract into the maesters' Citadel.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}
  
Before the [[Doom of Valyria]], maesters and archmaesters often traveled to the Freehold of Valyria, searching for answers to the many questions they had.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Reach: Oldtown}}
+
Before the [[Doom of Valyria]], maesters and archmaesters often traveled to the Freehold of Valyria, searching for answers to the many questions they had.{{Ref|twoiaf|The Reach: Oldtown}}
  
In recent centuries, the maesters of the Citadel have supplanted the once powerful [[Alchemists’ Guild]] through most of the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|acok|20}}
+
In recent centuries, the maesters of the Citadel have supplanted the once powerful [[Alchemists' Guild]] through most of the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|acok|20}} In {{date|54}}, Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]] unsuccessfully advised the [[Conclave]] to accept highborn girls into the Citadel.{{ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
  
 
Archmaester [[Marwyn]] believes that the Citadel is behind the deaths of the last Targaryen [[dragon]]s, because of a conspiracy against magic and prophecy.{{Ref|affc|45}}
 
Archmaester [[Marwyn]] believes that the Citadel is behind the deaths of the last Targaryen [[dragon]]s, because of a conspiracy against magic and prophecy.{{Ref|affc|45}}
Line 120: Line 122:
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 +
[[File:Black Iron LinkRB.png|thumb|350px|A [[raven]] with a message, by Raymond Bonilla © Fantasy Flight Games]]
 
When the [[red comet]] appears, the maesters are among the first to notice.{{Ref|agot|66}}{{Ref|acok|0}}
 
When the [[red comet]] appears, the maesters are among the first to notice.{{Ref|agot|66}}{{Ref|acok|0}}
  
The Conclave gathers to consider the reports and measurements made by maesters all over the realm. Based on that information, they declare the summer is over, and send out white ravens to herald the changing of the seasons.{{Ref|acok|0}}{{Ref|acok|7}}
+
The [[Conclave]] gathers to consider the reports and measurements made by maesters all over the [[Seven Kingdoms]]. Based on that information, they declare the summer is over, and send out [[white raven]]s to herald the changing of the seasons.{{Ref|acok|0}}{{Ref|acok|7}}
  
 
Acting as [[Hand of the King]], [[Tyrion Lannister]] has Grand Maester [[Pycelle]] thrown into the dungeons of the [[Red Keep]] as punishment for betraying his confidential information to Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]].{{Ref|acok|25}}
 
Acting as [[Hand of the King]], [[Tyrion Lannister]] has Grand Maester [[Pycelle]] thrown into the dungeons of the [[Red Keep]] as punishment for betraying his confidential information to Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]].{{Ref|acok|25}}
  
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
Accepting Pycelle’s dismissal, the Conclave gathers to discuss who his successor should be. After pretending to consider two lowborn maesters, the Conclave comes close to electing Maester [[Gormon Tyrell|Gormon]], who had been born a [[House Tyrell|Tyrell]] of [[Highgarden]]. Thanks to the presence of his [[little birds]] at the [[Citadel]], Lord [[Varys]] learns of this, and warns Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], the [[Hand of the King]]. To prevent the Tyrells from gaining more influence at court, Tywin immediately restores Pycelle to his office.{{Ref|asos|12}}
+
Accepting Pycelle's dismissal, the Conclave gathers to discuss who his successor should be. After pretending to consider two lowborn maesters, the Conclave comes close to electing Maester [[Gormon Tyrell|Gormon]], who had been born a [[House Tyrell|Tyrell]] of [[Highgarden]]. Thanks to the presence of his [[little birds]] at the [[Citadel]], Lord [[Varys]] learns of this, and warns Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], the Hand of the King. To prevent the Tyrells from gaining more influence at court, Tywin immediately restores Pycelle to his office.{{Ref|asos|12}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
At the [[Citadel]], the novice [[Pate]] steals a black key which supposedly opens every door in the Citadel. He trades the key with the [[Alchemist]] for a [[currency|golden dragon]]. However, the Alchemist kills him,{{Ref|affc|0}} and assumes Pate’s appearance and identity.{{Ref|affc|45}}
+
At the [[Citadel]], the novice [[Pate (novice)|Pate]] steals a black key which supposedly opens every door in the Citadel. He trades the key with the [[Alchemist]] for a [[currency|golden dragon]]. However, the Alchemist kills him,{{Ref|affc|0}} and assumes Pate's appearance and identity.{{Ref|affc|45}}
  
[[Jon Snow]], the [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], sends his sworn brother [[Samwell Tarly]] to [[Oldtown]] to train at the [[Citadel]] and become a maester. Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]], the maester of [[Castle Black]], is send with Samwell, but following a long period of illness dies, shortly before they reach Oldtown.{{ref|AFFC|5}}{{ref|AFFC|35}} After hearing Aemon’s interpretation of [[prince that was promised|a prophecy]], Archmaester [[Marwyn]] decides to travel to [[Slaver's Bay]] to reach [[Daenerys Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|45}}
+
[[Jon Snow]], the [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], sends his sworn brother [[Samwell Tarly]] to [[Oldtown]] to train at the Citadel and become a maester. [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]], the maester of [[Castle Black]], is send with Samwell, but following a long period of illness dies, shortly before they reach Oldtown.{{ref|AFFC|5}}{{ref|AFFC|35}} After hearing Aemon's interpretation of [[prince that was promised|a prophecy]], Archmaester [[Marwyn]] decides to travel to [[Slaver's Bay]] to reach [[Daenerys Targaryen]].{{ref|AFFC|45}}
  
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 
Lady [[Barbrey Dustin]] expresses her distrust of maesters to [[Theon Greyjoy]], and refers to them as "grey rats".{{ref|ADWD|37}}
 
Lady [[Barbrey Dustin]] expresses her distrust of maesters to [[Theon Greyjoy]], and refers to them as "grey rats".{{ref|ADWD|37}}
  
Following the fall of Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]], Grand Maester Pycelle successfully seizes control of King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]] and the [[small council]]. He offers Ser [[Kevan Lannister]] the [[regency]]. Together, they attempt to restore the damage done by Cersei and to mend the Lannister-Tyrell alliance that supports Tommen's hold on the Iron Throne. When he sees they are going to succeed, Lord [[Varys]], the former [[master of whisperers]], assassinates both Pycelle and Kevan.{{ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}
+
Following the fall of Cersei, Grand Maester Pycelle successfully seizes control of King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]] and the [[small council]]. He offers Ser [[Kevan Lannister]] the [[regency]]. Together, they attempt to restore the damage done by Cersei and to mend the Lannister-Tyrell alliance that supports Tommen's hold on the Iron Throne. When he sees they are going to succeed, Varys, the former [[master of whisperers]], assassinates both Pycelle and Kevan.{{ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}
  
 
== Known Members ==
 
== Known Members ==
 
===Archmaesters===
 
===Archmaesters===
 +
[[File:The Archmaester's Wrath SM.png|thumb|350px|The archmaester's wrath, by Scott Murphy © Fantasy Flight Games]]
 
* Archmaester [[Agrivane]]{{Ref|affc|Appendix}}
 
* Archmaester [[Agrivane]]{{Ref|affc|Appendix}}
 
* Archmaester [[Benedict]]{{Ref|affc|Appendix}}
 
* Archmaester [[Benedict]]{{Ref|affc|Appendix}}
Line 166: Line 170:
 
*Grand Maester {[[Pycelle]]}, served in King's Landing on the King's [[small council]] for over forty years. Murdered during the reign of King Tommen I.
 
*Grand Maester {[[Pycelle]]}, served in King's Landing on the King's [[small council]] for over forty years. Murdered during the reign of King Tommen I.
 
*Maester {[[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]]}, maester at [[Castle Black]]. Died while crossing the [[narrow sea]].
 
*Maester {[[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]]}, maester at [[Castle Black]]. Died while crossing the [[narrow sea]].
 +
*Maester [[Ballabar]], maester at the [[Arbor]], currently at the [[Red Keep]].
 +
*Maester [[Barneby]].
 +
*Maester [[Brenett]], maester at the [[Twins]].
 +
*Maester [[Caleotte]], maester at [[Sunspear]].
 
*Maester [[Colemon]], maester at the [[Eyrie]].
 
*Maester [[Colemon]], maester at the [[Eyrie]].
 
*Maester {[[Cressen]]}, maester at [[Dragonstone]]. Died from drinking poison.
 
*Maester {[[Cressen]]}, maester at [[Dragonstone]]. Died from drinking poison.
 +
*Maester [[Creylen]], maester at [[Casterly Rock]].
 
*Maester [[Gormon Tyrell|Gormon]], an uncle to Lord [[Mace Tyrell]]. Nearly elected as Grand Maester.
 
*Maester [[Gormon Tyrell|Gormon]], an uncle to Lord [[Mace Tyrell]]. Nearly elected as Grand Maester.
*Maester [[Gulian]], currently with ser [[Bonifer Hasty]] at [[Harrenhal]].
+
*Maester [[Gulian]], currently with Ser [[Bonifer Hasty]] at [[Harrenhal]].
 
*Maester [[Harmune]], maester at [[Eastwatch-by-the-Sea]].  
 
*Maester [[Harmune]], maester at [[Eastwatch-by-the-Sea]].  
 
*Maester [[Henly (maester)|Henly]], maester in service of Lord [[House Slate|Slate]], currently at [[Winterfell]].
 
*Maester [[Henly (maester)|Henly]], maester in service of Lord [[House Slate|Slate]], currently at [[Winterfell]].
 +
*Maester [[Jon Vance|Jon]], originally of [[House Vance of Atranta]].
 +
*Maester [[Lomys]], maester at [[Highgarden]].
 
*Maester {[[Luwin]]}, previous maester at [[Winterfell]]. Killed during the [[sack of Winterfell]] by men of [[House Bolton]].  
 
*Maester {[[Luwin]]}, previous maester at [[Winterfell]]. Killed during the [[sack of Winterfell]] by men of [[House Bolton]].  
 +
*Maester [[Medrick]], maester at the [[Hornwood]], currently at [[Winterfell]].
 +
*Maester [[Melwys Rivers|Melwys]], originally a bastard of [[House Frey]], maester at [[Rosby]].
 
*Maester [[Mullin]], maester at the [[Shadow Tower]].
 
*Maester [[Mullin]], maester at the [[Shadow Tower]].
 +
*Maester [[Myles]], maester at [[Sunspear]].
 +
*Maester [[Omer Florent|Omer]], originally of [[House Florent]], maester at [[Old Oak]].
 
*Maester [[Pylos]], maester at Dragonstone; Succeeded Cressen.
 
*Maester [[Pylos]], maester at Dragonstone; Succeeded Cressen.
 +
*Maester [[Rhodry]], maester at [[Castle Cerwyn]], currently at [[Winterfell]].
 +
*Maester [[Toman]], maester at [[Ghost Hill]].
 
*Maester [[Theomore]], originally of [[House Lannister of Lannisport]], in service at [[White Harbor]].
 
*Maester [[Theomore]], originally of [[House Lannister of Lannisport]], in service at [[White Harbor]].
*Maester [[Tybald]], in service to the [[Dreadfort]] , currently with [[Arnolf Karstark]] at the [[Crofter's village]] near [[Winterfell]].
+
*Maester [[Tybald]], in service to the [[Dreadfort]], currently with [[Arnolf Karstark]] at the [[Crofter's village]] near [[Winterfell]].
 +
*Maester [[Vyman]], maester at [[Riverrun]].
 +
*Maester [[Wendamyr]], maester at Pyke.
 +
*Maester [[Willamen Frey|Willamen]], originally of [[House Frey]], maester at [[Longbow Hall]].
 
*Maester [[Yandel]], author of ''[[The World of Ice and Fire (Yandel)|The World of Ice and Fire]]''.
 
*Maester [[Yandel]], author of ''[[The World of Ice and Fire (Yandel)|The World of Ice and Fire]]''.
 
*[[Qyburn]], a former maester who was stripped of his chain and title by the Citadel for conducting immoral research. Currently serves as advisor to Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]].
 
*[[Qyburn]], a former maester who was stripped of his chain and title by the Citadel for conducting immoral research. Currently serves as advisor to Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]].
Line 189: Line 209:
 
*Novice [[Roone]]
 
*Novice [[Roone]]
 
*Novice [[Samwell Tarly]], a brother of the [[Night's Watch]].
 
*Novice [[Samwell Tarly]], a brother of the [[Night's Watch]].
*Novice [[Leo Tyrell|Leo Tyrell]], called "Lazy Leo", a follower of Marwyn.
+
*Novice [[Leo Tyrell (son of Moryn)|Leo Tyrell]], called "Lazy Leo", a follower of Marwyn.
  
 
==Historical members==
 
==Historical members==
 +
 +
===Maesters===
 +
*Maester [[Alfador]], who served [[House Hightower]] during the reign of [[Viserys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|fab|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
 +
*Maester [[Anselm]], who served [[House Targaryen]] at [[Dragonstone]] during the reign of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
 +
*Maester [[Beldon]], who served at [[Casterly Rock]] during the rule of Lord [[Gerold Lannister]]{{ref|twoiaf|The Westerlands: House Lannister under the Dragons}}
 +
*Maester [[Bendamure]], who wrote the book ''[[Six Times to Sea: Being an Account of the Great Voyages of Alyn Oakenfist]]''.
 +
*Maester [[Cerrick]], a maester of ironborn origin who served [[House Webber]].{{Ref|tss}}
 +
*Maester [[Culiper]], who served [[House Targaryen]] of [[Dragonstone]] during the reign of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
 +
*Maester [[Gerardys]], who served [[House Targaryen]] on [[Dragonstone]] during the reign of [[Viserys I Targaryen]], later raised to [[Grand Maester]] by [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].
 +
*Maester [[Hunnimore]], who served [[House Targaryen]] on [[Dragonstone]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].
 +
*Maester [[Kym]], maester at [[Riverrun]] during Catelyn Tully's childhood.{{Ref|ACOK|45}}
 +
*Maester [[Kyrie]], maester at [[Storm's End]] during the time of Lord [[Rogar Baratheon]]{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
 +
*Maester [[Melaquin]], who served Prince [[Maekar I Targaryen|Maekar Targaryen]] while he held [[Summerhall]].{{Ref|tmk}}
 +
*Maester [[Norren (House Mooton)|Norren]], who served [[House Mooton]] of [[Maidenpool]] during the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{ref|tpatq}}
 +
*Maester [[Rowley]], the [[Lord Confessor]] for King [[Aegon III Targaryen]].
 +
*Maester [[Ryben]], the Citadel’s foremost expert on banned, forbidden, fraudulent, and obscene texts.{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeits of Rulers}}
 +
*Maester [[Smike]], who served [[House Farman]] of [[Fair Isle]] during the reign of [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{ref|fab|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}}
 +
*Maester [[Uthor]], who served at the [[Dreadfort]] before {{Date|297}}.{{ref|adwd|32}}
 +
*Maester [[Walys Flowers|Walys]], former maester of Winterfell and trusted advisor to Lord [[Rickard Stark]].
 +
*Maester [[Yormwell]], the personal maester of Prince [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor Targaryen]] at the end of the reign of [[Daeron I Targaryen]].{{Ref|thk}}
 +
 
===Archmaesters===
 
===Archmaesters===
 
*Archmaester [[Abelon]], who wrote the book ''[[When Women Ruled: Ladies of the Aftermath]]''.
 
*Archmaester [[Abelon]], who wrote the book ''[[When Women Ruled: Ladies of the Aftermath]]''.
 
*Archmaester [[Crey]], an Archmaester of the Citadel at the end of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]'s long reign.
 
*Archmaester [[Crey]], an Archmaester of the Citadel at the end of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]'s long reign.
 
*Archmaester [[Goodwyn]], who wrote about the coming of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]] and his Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]] at [[Oldtown]] for the choosing of a new [[High Septon]] in {{Date|54}}.
 
*Archmaester [[Goodwyn]], who wrote about the coming of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]] and his Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]] at [[Oldtown]] for the choosing of a new [[High Septon]] in {{Date|54}}.
*Archmaester [[Gyldayn]], who wrote ''[[The Princess and The Queen, or, The Blacks and The Greens]]'' and ''[[The Rogue Prince, or, A King's Brother (by Archmaester Gyldayn)|The Rogue Prince, or, A King's Brother]]''.
+
*Archmaester [[Gyldayn]], who wrote ''[[The Princess and the Queen, or, the Blacks and the Greens|The Princess and the Queen]]'', ''[[The Rogue Prince, or, A King's Brother|The Rogue Prince]]'', ''[[The Sons of the Dragon (Gyldayn)|The Sons of the Dragon]]'' and ''[[Fire & Blood, Being a History of the Targaryen Kings of Westeros|Fire & Blood]]''.
 
*Archmaester [[Haereg]], who wrote ''[[History of the Ironborn]].
 
*Archmaester [[Haereg]], who wrote ''[[History of the Ironborn]].
 
*Archmaester [[Hake (archmaester)|Hake]], an archmaester of ironborn origin.
 
*Archmaester [[Hake (archmaester)|Hake]], an archmaester of ironborn origin.
Line 207: Line 248:
  
 
===Grand Maesters===
 
===Grand Maesters===
'''Aegon I Targaryen''' ({{Date|5}}-{{Date|37}})
+
'''[[Aegon I Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|5}}-{{Date|37}})
 
*Grand Maester [[Ollidar]], the first to hold the office
 
*Grand Maester [[Ollidar]], the first to hold the office
 
*Grand Maester [[Lyonce]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Lyonce]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Gawen]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Gawen]]
  
'''Aenys I Targaryen''' ({{Date|37}}-{{Date|42}})
+
'''[[Aenys I Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|37}}-{{Date|42}})
 
*Grand Maester [[Gawen]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Gawen]]
  
'''Maegor I Targaryen''' ({{Date|42}}-{{Date|48}})
+
'''[[Maegor I Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|42}}-{{Date|48}})
 
*Grand Maester [[Gawen]], executed by Maegor
 
*Grand Maester [[Gawen]], executed by Maegor
*Grand Maester [[Myres]], executed by Maegor
+
*Grand Maester [[Myros]], executed by Maegor
 
*Grand Maester [[Desmond (Grand Maester)|Desmond]], executed by Maegor
 
*Grand Maester [[Desmond (Grand Maester)|Desmond]], executed by Maegor
 
*Grand Maester [[Benifer]], the final Grand Maester to serve Maegor and the only one to survive his reign
 
*Grand Maester [[Benifer]], the final Grand Maester to serve Maegor and the only one to survive his reign
  
'''Jaehaerys I Targaryen''' ({{Date|48}}-{{Date|103}})
+
'''[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|48}}-{{Date|103}})
 
*Grand Maester [[Benifer]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Benifer]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Elysar]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Elysar]]
Line 227: Line 268:
 
*Grand Maester [[Runciter]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Runciter]]
  
'''Viserys I Targaryen''' ({{Date|103}}-{{Date|129}})
+
'''[[Viserys I Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|103}}-{{Date|129}})
 
*Grand Maester [[Runciter]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Runciter]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Mellos]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Mellos]]
Line 235: Line 276:
 
The [[Dance of the Dragons]] was a war between Prince [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]] and his half-sister Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]]. Both had their own council, each with their own Grand Maester.  
 
The [[Dance of the Dragons]] was a war between Prince [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]] and his half-sister Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]]. Both had their own council, each with their own Grand Maester.  
  
''Aegon II Targaryen''
+
''[[Aegon II Targaryen]]''
 
*Grand Maester [[Orwyle]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Orwyle]]
  
''Rhaenyra Targaryen''
+
''[[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]''
 
*Grand Maester [[Gerardys]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Gerardys]]
  
'''Aegon III Targaryen''' ({{Date|131}}-{{Date|157}})
+
'''[[Aegon III Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|131}}-{{Date|157}})
 
*Grand Maester [[Munkun]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Munkun]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Alford]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Alford]]
  
'''Daeron I Targaryen''' ({{Date|157}}-{{Date|161}})
+
'''[[Daeron I Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|157}}-{{Date|161}})
 
*Unknown
 
*Unknown
  
'''Baelor I Targaryen''' ({{Date|161}}-{{Date|171}})
+
'''[[Baelor I Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|161}}-{{Date|171}})
*Unknown
+
*Grand Maester [[Munkun]]
  
'''Viserys II Targaryen''' ({{Date|171}}-{{Date|172}})
+
'''[[Viserys II Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|171}}-{{Date|172}})
 
*Unknown
 
*Unknown
  
'''Aegon IV Targaryen''' ({{Date|172}}-{{Date|184}})
+
'''[[Aegon IV Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|172}}-{{Date|184}})
 
*Unknown
 
*Unknown
  
'''Daeron II Targaryen''' ({{Date|184}}-{{Date|209}})
+
'''[[Daeron II Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|184}}-{{Date|209}})
 
*Unknown
 
*Unknown
  
'''Aerys I Targaryen''' ({{Date|209}}-{{Date|221}})
+
'''[[Aerys I Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|209}}-{{Date|221}})
 
* The [[Grand Maester (Aerys I)|Grand Maester]] during the reign of [[Aerys I Targaryen]], said to be steeped in sorcery{{ref|tss}}
 
* The [[Grand Maester (Aerys I)|Grand Maester]] during the reign of [[Aerys I Targaryen]], said to be steeped in sorcery{{ref|tss}}
  
'''Aegon V Targaryen''' ({{Date|233}}-{{Date|259}})
+
'''[[Maekar I Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|221}}-{{Date|233}})
 +
*Unknown
 +
 
 +
'''[[Aegon V Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|233}}-
 +
{{Date|259}})
 
*Grand Maester [[Kaeth]], wrote the book ''[[Lives of Four Kings]]''
 
*Grand Maester [[Kaeth]], wrote the book ''[[Lives of Four Kings]]''
 
*Grand Maester [[Ellendor]]{{Ref|AFFC|36}}
 
*Grand Maester [[Ellendor]]{{Ref|AFFC|36}}
Line 269: Line 314:
 
*Grand Maester [[Pycelle]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Pycelle]]
  
'''Jaehaerys II Targaryen''' ({{Date|259}}-{{Date|262}})
+
'''[[Jaehaerys II Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|259}}-{{Date|262}})
 
*Grand Maester [[Pycelle]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Pycelle]]
  
'''Aerys II Targaryen''' ({{Date|262}}-{{Date|283}})
+
'''[[Aerys II Targaryen]]''' ({{Date|262}}-{{Date|283}})
 
*Grand Maester [[Pycelle]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Pycelle]]
  
'''Robert Baratheon''' ({{Date|283}}-{{Date|298}})
+
'''[[Robert Baratheon]]''' ({{Date|283}}-{{Date|298}})
 
*Grand Maester [[Pycelle]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Pycelle]]
  
'''Joffrey Baratheon''' ({{Date|298}}-{{Date|300}})
+
'''[[Joffrey Baratheon]]''' ({{Date|298}}-{{Date|300}})
 
*Grand Maester [[Pycelle]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Pycelle]]
  
'''Tommen Baratheon''' ({{Date|300}})
+
'''[[Tommen Baratheon]]''' ({{Date|300}})
 
*Grand Maester [[Pycelle]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Pycelle]]
  
Line 291: Line 336:
 
*Grand Maester [[Lucan (Grand Maester)|Lucan]], who wrote about the reasoning behind why King [[Aegon I Targaryen]] couldn't make peace with the [[Dorne|Dornishmen]] at the end of the [[First Dornish War]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Lucan (Grand Maester)|Lucan]], who wrote about the reasoning behind why King [[Aegon I Targaryen]] couldn't make peace with the [[Dorne|Dornishmen]] at the end of the [[First Dornish War]]
 
*Grand Maester [[Malleon]], who wrote the book ''[[The Lineages and Histories of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms]]''
 
*Grand Maester [[Malleon]], who wrote the book ''[[The Lineages and Histories of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms]]''
 
===Maesters===
 
*Maester [[Alfador]], who served [[House Hightower]] during the reign of [[Viserys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|fab|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
 
*Maester [[Anselm]], who served [[House Targaryen]] at [[Dragonstone]] during the reign of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
 
*Maester [[Beldon]], who served at [[Casterly Rock]] during the rule of Lord [[Gerold Lannister]]{{ref|twoiaf| The Westerlands: House Lannister under the Dragons}}
 
*Maester [[Bendamure]], who wrote the book ''[[Six Times to Sea: Being an Account of the Great Voyages of Alyn Oakenfist]]''.
 
*Maester [[Cerrick]], a maester of ironborn origin who served [[House Webber]].{{Ref|tss}}
 
*Maester [[Culiper]], who served [[House Targaryen]] of [[Dragonstone]] during the reign of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
 
*Maester [[Gerardys]], served on [[Dragonstone]] during the reign of [[Viserys I Targaryen]], later raised to [[Grand Maester]] by [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].
 
*Maester [[Hunnimore]], who served at [[Dragonstone]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].
 
*Maester [[Kym]], maester at [[Riverrun]] during Catelyn Tully's childhood.{{Ref|ACOK|45}}
 
*Maester [[Kyrie]], maester at [[Storm's End]] during the time of Lord [[Rogar Baratheon]]{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
 
*Maester [[Melaquin]], who served Prince [[Maekar I Targaryen|Maekar Targaryen]] while he held [[Summerhall]].{{Ref|tmk}}
 
*Maester [[Norren (House Mooton)|Norren]], who served [[House Mooton]] of [[Maidenpool]] during the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{ref|tpatq}}
 
*Maester [[Rowley]], the [[Lord Confessor]] for King [[Aegon III Targaryen]].
 
*Maester [[Ryben]], the Citadel’s foremost expert on banned, forbidden, fraudulent, and obscene texts.{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeits of Rulers}}
 
*Maester [[Smike]], who served [[House Farman]] of [[Fair Isle]] during the reign of [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{ref|fab|The Year of the Three Brides- 49 AC}}
 
*Maester [[Walys Flowers|Walys]], former maester of Winterfell and trusted advisor to Lord [[Rickard Stark]].
 
*Maester [[Yormwell]], the personal maester of Prince [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor Targaryen]] at the end of the reign of [[Daeron I Targaryen]].{{Ref|thk}}
 
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
Line 321: Line 347:
 
*[[The Maester's Path]] - A viral marketing campaign for HBO's ''[[Game of Thrones]]''.
 
*[[The Maester's Path]] - A viral marketing campaign for HBO's ''[[Game of Thrones]]''.
 
*[[:Category:Images of Maesters|Images of Maesters]]
 
*[[:Category:Images of Maesters|Images of Maesters]]
 
{{Maesters}}
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
Line 329: Line 353:
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
{{references|2}}
 
{{references|2}}
 +
 +
{{Maesters}}
  
 
[[Category:Order of the maesters| ]]
 
[[Category:Order of the maesters| ]]

Revision as of 21:17, 29 August 2019


Order of Maesters
Thaldir Oldtown Scholar.jpg
A maester of the Citadel by Tiziano Baracchi © Fantasy Flight Games
Seat The Citadel, Oldtown
Region Seven Kingdoms

The maesters are an order of scholars, healers, messengers, and scientists. They educate new students at the Citadel, which is located in Oldtown, a city in the Reach. House Hightower was integral in the Citadel's foundation, and continues to patronize the order. As advisers to the Westerosi nobility, the maesters have largely supplanted the Alchemists' Guild.[1] They are sometimes called "the knights of the mind."[2]

Organization

Novices and Acolytes

Students who start their education at the Citadel are known as novices. Once they have earned a link, they become acolytes.[3] Most acolytes treat novices as if they are slow-witted.[3] Acolytes train at letters at the Scribe's Hearth,[4] and can be hired by Oldtowners to read their letters or write their wills.[5] When an acolyte is prepared to take his vows and become a maester, he is placed in a completely dark room with one of the Citadel's glass candles, made of razor-sharp obsidian. He must stay in that room for the entire night in darkness, unless he is able to light the candle. The tradition serves as a lesson about truth and learning.[3]

Students who violate the rules of the Citadel can be ordered confined to their rooms by the maesters.[6] They can also receive more physical punishments. For example, for stealing from the kitchens, rectors might place them in stocks at the Seneschal's Court, where acolytes may throw rotten vegetables at them.[5]

Maesters

A maester reads a message brought by a raven, by Chris Rallis © Fantasy Flight Games

Maesters are scholars and healers who have completed their training at the Citadel. They can be sent by the Citadel to serve at the holding of a lord throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Maesters are only found in castles;[7] if a lord does not have a maester in his service, he is seen as unimportant.[8] Aegon I Targaryen and his sister wives each had a maester during the Conquest, and as king Aegon had as many as six serving him, separate from the Grand Maester.[9] A lord has to pay the Citadel for a maester's service,[10] and smallfolk believe that maesters are unwilling to help them.[7]

Maesters wear a collar, which is supposed to remind him of the realm he serves.[11] When he completes his education and takes his vows, a maester puts aside his House name.[12] Although he is supposed to be loyal to the seat to which he is assigned, regardless of the changes in control of that holding,[13] old allegiances or loyalties might continue linger.[8]

Archmaesters

Archmaesters are maesters who have demonstrated mastery of a particular subject. They receive a mask, ring, and rod in the metal corresponding to the link of the maester's chain which signifies their expertise on the topic.[3] Archmaesters teach the students at the Citadel in their subject of expertise, and they judge whether a novice or an acolyte has shown enough knowledge on their subject to receive a link for their chain.[3]

Archmaesters have the right to sit on the Conclave, a council which elects the Grand Maester[14] and determines when the seasons change.[15][16] The meetings of the Conclave are conducted behind closed doors at the Citadel.[14]

Each archmaester is said to carry a heavy, black iron key that will open most of the doors in the Citadel. They keep them close on their person, or hide them well.[6]

Grand Maesters

Grand Maester Pycelle by Joshua Cairós © Fantasy Flight Games

The office of Grand Maester was created in 5 AC by Aegon I Targaryen, who asked for an archmaester to advise him on governing the Seven Kingdoms.[9] Sworn to serve the whole realm,[17] the Grand Maester sits on the king's small council and acts as one of the royal advisers.[18] As the Citadel's representative at the royal court of the king on the Iron Throne[19] the Grand Maester is elected by the Conclave, and only the Conclave can unmake him again, although several Grand Maesters have died violently. King Maegor I Targaryen executed three Grand Maesters during his reign[14]Gawen, Myros, and Desmond[20]—while Aegon II Targaryen had Grand Maester Gerardys fed to his dragon Sunfyre.[14] Grand Maester Hareth was executed as well, on grounds of treason.[21][14]

Although the Conclave puts effort into demonstrating their consideration of ability before birth, this is only a pretense as is not usually the case in its final choice for Grand Maester.[14]

Grand Maesters are generally older men. Kaeth was chosen as Grand Maester at the age of eighty, Ellendor at almost ninety, and Merion at the age of sixty-six. After all three died within a short time span, King Aegon V Targaryen suggested to the Conclave that a younger man might be better. As such, Pycelle, aged forty-two, was raised to the office.[22]

Seneschal

The governance of the Citadel is held by the Seneschal, who is chosen from among the archmaesters. A new Seneschal is appointed annually. Because the archmaesters tend to see the office as a thankless task, as it takes them away from their true work, the Seneschal is selected by lot, with the one who draws the black stone taking on the office.[5] When the archmaester who draws the black stone is not capable of fulfilling his duties as Seneschal, another archmaester might volunteer to serve his term instead.[5]

Practices

Education

A maester at his studies, from Game of Thrones Blu-ray

Boys and young men from all over Westeros come to study, learn, and forge their chains at the Citadel.[23] There is no age requirement,[24] and despite the prejudice of the archmaesters to status of birth, males of every social status are allowed to forge their chain. As such, baseborns (e.g., Pate),[3] bastards (e.g., Walys)[8], younger children of lords, and even royalty (e.g., Prince Oberyn Martell,[21] and Princes Aemon[12] and Vaegon Targaryen)[25] can study together at the Citadel.

Novices and acolytes are educated together. Archmaesters give open lectures, which the students can attend at will. Once a student believes he has sufficient knowledge on a particular subject, he can go before an archmaester to demonstrate his knowledge. If the archmaester judges the student’s knowledge to be proficient, he awards him with a link of a metal reflecting the topic.[6]

Not all who start their studies will complete their chain. Oldtown is full of aging novices and acolytes who have never started their chains, or never finished forging them.[24] Others leave the Citadel before completing their chain on purpose. Gunthor Hightower studied for several years at the Citadel,[5] although it is not known whether he earned any links while there. Both Lord Lyonel Strong,[26] and Prince Oberyn Martell[21] left the Citadel after forging six links. Some students learn only something about healing, and may become barbers, serving smallfolk with leeches, setting broken bones, and shaving and cutting their hair.[6]

It is not known how long a student generally takes to forge a chain. Maester Yandel earned his first link in 285 AC and completed his chain in 292 AC, at the age of twenty,[4] while Aemon, who took several more years to forge his chain,[N 1] took his maester's vows at the age of nineteen.[27] The speed at which a student earns his links differs between each student. While some might take a year per link (e.g., Armen),[3] exceptional students might earn as many as three links within a year (e.g., Alleras),[6] possibly even more.[N 2]

Citadel

A maester taking the oath, from Game of Thrones Blu-ray

Students are educated at the Citadel, a complex of buildings found in Oldtown. The Citadel is financed by the lords who pay for having a maester in their service, and from certain taxes that the Citadel collects at Oldtown.[10]

Maester's vows

When an acolyte has completed his chain, he can swear a maester's vows. The night before, the acolytes must stand a vigil in a vault with a black glass candle. The acolytes are not allowed any other source of light, and has to spend the night in total darkness unless he can light the candle.[6]

When an acolyte of noble birth takes his vows and dons his chain, he puts aside his House name.[12] He swears sacred vows, promising to hold no lands or lordships,[28] and to be celibate.[29]

Maester's serving in the Night's Watch on the Wall are doubly sworn, and uphold both the maester's vows and the oaths of the Night's Watch[30]

Subjects of knowledge and tasks

A maester advises his lord, by Kerry Barnett © Fantasy Flight Games

The order of maesters are sometimes called the knights of the mind.[2] Numerous subjects are taught at the Citadel. They include history, healing, herblore, the speech of ravens, the building of castles, navigating by the stars, the measurement of days and the marking of seasons.[2] Maesters have performed autopsies for centuries to better understand the workings of the human body.[31][32] They have observed that highborn girls get their first period at a younger age than lower born girls, and that very young mothers tend to have a significantly higher rate of death in childbirth.[33] They make star maps,[34] monitor temperature variations and the march of the seasons, so they can advise on what to plant and when to expect a harvest,[35] and measure the length of the days, as to determine the change of the seasons.[15] When the Conclave has decreed that the seasons have indeed changed, the Citadel sends out white ravens to the lords of Westeros, to herald the changing of the seasons.[15]

Maesters advise their lords on the operation of their households and lands.[36][37] Some lords trust their maesters to open and read letters, and to convey their contents to them. Others prefer to do so for themselves.[38] Maesters can be tasked with writing letters for their lords as well, and might be trusted to read and write the letters of those lords who are illiterate.[8] They are in charge of the ravens used as messengers. Although most ravens can only be trained to fly to one castle, a few can be trained to distinguish between two, and rarely even more.[39] Maesters assist in childbirth,[36] treat illnesses,[21] and teach children arithmetic, language, and history.[2][13][40]

Even among the maesters who have earned a Valyrian link, representing the higher mysteries,[41] there are those who believe that, though magic might have once been a mighty force in the world, it no longer is. They describe Valyria as the "last ember" of magic, which went out with the Doom.[41] Most archmaesters do not care much for ideas concerning occult matters.[42] The rare archmaester who does (e.g., Marwyn)[6] can expect it to impact his reputation. It is said that all those who study the higher mysteries try their own hands at sorcery eventually, but always fail.[41]

Some subjects are forbidden in the Citadel, including cutting open living people,[32] or practicing necromancy.[43]

Chain

Forging the chain, by Mike Capprotti © Fantasy Flight Games
A maester's chain, with links of different metals, by Tim Durning © Fantasy Flight Games

A maester can be recognized by the chain he wears around his neck. The collar is intended to remind a maester of the realm he serves.[11] The links of the chain can be made of every metal known to man.[18] By earning their links, students "forge" their chain. This term is metaphorical; Though they do study metals at the Citadel, maesters do not necessarily train as blacksmiths[44] Maesters never remove their chain, not even when sleeping,[11] and it is considered a great shame for a maester to surrender his chain.[45] The Citadel can decide to strip a maester of his chain, thereby exiling him from the Citadel. This is done as a punishment for, for example, cutting open living people,[32] or practicing necromancy.[43]

According to George R. R. Martin, it is possible to earn multiple links of the same metal; Multiple links of the same metal on a maester's chain signifies the expertise of the maester on the subject.[46] The metals of which a student can earn links for their chain include:


While there are only fifteen known links, and thus fifteen known subjects of expertise taught at the Citadel, there are twenty-one known current archmaesters of the Citadel, for only eight of whom a specialism is known.[47] It is currently unknown if each of these archmaesters are specialized in a separate subject or whether multiple archmaesters can be specialized in the same subject.

Only one maester in one hundred holds a link of Valyrian steel.[41]

History

Although the origin of the Citadel is disputed, the Hightowers are considered to have been instrumental in its founding,[47] as most accounts credit its foundation to Prince Peremore the Twisted, the second son of King Uthor of the High Tower. The curious Peremore invited numerous scholars, including wise men, teachers, priests, healers, singers, wizards, alchemists, and sorcerors, to Oldtown. After Peremore's death, his brother, King Urrigon, granted land alongside the Honeywine to "Peremore's pets", who developed the tract into the maesters' Citadel.[23]

Before the Doom of Valyria, maesters and archmaesters often traveled to the Freehold of Valyria, searching for answers to the many questions they had.[23]

In recent centuries, the maesters of the Citadel have supplanted the once powerful Alchemists' Guild through most of the Seven Kingdoms.[1] In 54 AC, Queen Alysanne Targaryen unsuccessfully advised the Conclave to accept highborn girls into the Citadel.[48]

Archmaester Marwyn believes that the Citadel is behind the deaths of the last Targaryen dragons, because of a conspiracy against magic and prophecy.[5]

Recent Events

A Clash of Kings

A raven with a message, by Raymond Bonilla © Fantasy Flight Games

When the red comet appears, the maesters are among the first to notice.[34][15]

The Conclave gathers to consider the reports and measurements made by maesters all over the Seven Kingdoms. Based on that information, they declare the summer is over, and send out white ravens to herald the changing of the seasons.[15][16]

Acting as Hand of the King, Tyrion Lannister has Grand Maester Pycelle thrown into the dungeons of the Red Keep as punishment for betraying his confidential information to Queen Regent Cersei Lannister.[49]

A Storm of Swords

Accepting Pycelle's dismissal, the Conclave gathers to discuss who his successor should be. After pretending to consider two lowborn maesters, the Conclave comes close to electing Maester Gormon, who had been born a Tyrell of Highgarden. Thanks to the presence of his little birds at the Citadel, Lord Varys learns of this, and warns Lord Tywin Lannister, the Hand of the King. To prevent the Tyrells from gaining more influence at court, Tywin immediately restores Pycelle to his office.[14]

A Feast for Crows

At the Citadel, the novice Pate steals a black key which supposedly opens every door in the Citadel. He trades the key with the Alchemist for a golden dragon. However, the Alchemist kills him,[6] and assumes Pate's appearance and identity.[5]

Jon Snow, the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, sends his sworn brother Samwell Tarly to Oldtown to train at the Citadel and become a maester. Aemon, the maester of Castle Black, is send with Samwell, but following a long period of illness dies, shortly before they reach Oldtown.[50][45] After hearing Aemon's interpretation of a prophecy, Archmaester Marwyn decides to travel to Slaver's Bay to reach Daenerys Targaryen.[5]

A Dance with Dragons

Lady Barbrey Dustin expresses her distrust of maesters to Theon Greyjoy, and refers to them as "grey rats".[8]

Following the fall of Cersei, Grand Maester Pycelle successfully seizes control of King Tommen I Baratheon and the small council. He offers Ser Kevan Lannister the regency. Together, they attempt to restore the damage done by Cersei and to mend the Lannister-Tyrell alliance that supports Tommen's hold on the Iron Throne. When he sees they are going to succeed, Varys, the former master of whisperers, assassinates both Pycelle and Kevan.[51]

Known Members

Archmaesters

The archmaester's wrath, by Scott Murphy © Fantasy Flight Games

Maesters

Acolytes and Novices

Historical members

Maesters

Archmaesters

Grand Maesters

Aegon I Targaryen (5 AC-37 AC)

  • Grand Maester Ollidar, the first to hold the office
  • Grand Maester Lyonce
  • Grand Maester Gawen

Aenys I Targaryen (37 AC-42 AC)

Maegor I Targaryen (42 AC-48 AC)

  • Grand Maester Gawen, executed by Maegor
  • Grand Maester Myros, executed by Maegor
  • Grand Maester Desmond, executed by Maegor
  • Grand Maester Benifer, the final Grand Maester to serve Maegor and the only one to survive his reign

Jaehaerys I Targaryen (48 AC-103 AC)

Viserys I Targaryen (103 AC-129 AC)

Dance of the Dragons (129 AC-131 AC)
The Dance of the Dragons was a war between Prince Aegon and his half-sister Princess Rhaenyra. Both had their own council, each with their own Grand Maester.

Aegon II Targaryen

Rhaenyra Targaryen

Aegon III Targaryen (131 AC-157 AC)

Daeron I Targaryen (157 AC-161 AC)

  • Unknown

Baelor I Targaryen (161 AC-171 AC)

Viserys II Targaryen (171 AC-172 AC)

  • Unknown

Aegon IV Targaryen (172 AC-184 AC)

  • Unknown

Daeron II Targaryen (184 AC-209 AC)

  • Unknown

Aerys I Targaryen (209 AC-221 AC)

Maekar I Targaryen (221 AC-233 AC)

  • Unknown

Aegon V Targaryen (233 AC- 259 AC)

Jaehaerys II Targaryen (259 AC-262 AC)

Aerys II Targaryen (262 AC-283 AC)

Robert Baratheon (283 AC-298 AC)

Joffrey Baratheon (298 AC-300 AC)

Tommen Baratheon (300 AC)

Unknown Reign

Quotes

There are some who call my order the knights of the mind ... Have you ever thought that you might wear a maester's chain? There is no limit to what you might learn ... I can teach you history, healing, herblore. I can teach you the speech of ravens, and how to build a castle, and the way a sailor steers his ship by the stars. I can teach you to measure the days and marks the seasons, and at the Citadel in Oldtown they can teach you a thousand things more. But, Bran, no man can teach you magic.[2]

If you do not have a maester, it is taken to mean that you are of little consequence.[8]

Isn't it clever how the maesters go only by one name, even those who had two when they first arrived at the Citadel? That way we cannot know who they truly are or where they come from.[8]

See Also

Notes

  1. According to Jeor Mormont, Aemon was "nine or ten" years old when he was sent to the Citadel (A Clash of Kings, Jon I). As he completed his chain at the age of nineteen, it had taken him nine or ten years to complete his studies.
  2. Aemon had started his education at the age of "nine or ten", and earned "half a dozen" links by the time Aerys I Targaryen ascended the Iron Throne in 209 AC (A Clash of Kings, Jon I), one or two years after arriving at the Citadel.
  3. Based on Archmaester Ollidar's description of "keeper of histories" (Fire & Blood, "Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I")
  4. Based on Archmaester Vaellyn's "subject to judge" being "the heavens" (A Feast for Crows, Prologue) and him being described as "the stargazer" (A Feast for Crows, Appendix)

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 20, Tyrion V.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 53, Bran VI.
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 A Feast for Crows, Prologue.
  4. 4.0 4.1 The World of Ice & Fire, Preface.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 45, Samwell V.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 A Feast for Crows, Prologue.
  7. 7.0 7.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 19, Arya V.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 37, The Prince of Winterfell.
  9. 9.0 9.1 Fire & Blood, Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I.
  10. 10.0 10.1 So Spake Martin: ConJose (San Jose, CA; August 29-September 2) (August 29, 2002)
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 11.8 11.9 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 41, Jon V.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 60, Jon VIII.
  13. 13.0 13.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 66, Theon VI.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 12, Tyrion II.
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
  16. 16.0 16.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 7, Catelyn I.
  17. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 39, Cersei IX.
  18. 18.00 18.01 18.02 18.03 18.04 18.05 18.06 18.07 18.08 18.09 18.10 18.11 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 20, Eddard IV.
  19. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Maesters.
  20. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I.
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 36, Davos IV.
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 36, Cersei VIII.
  23. 23.0 23.1 23.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Oldtown.
  24. 24.0 24.1 So Spake Martin: Citadel Entry Requirements (May 18, 1999)
  25. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I.
  26. The World of Ice & Fire, The Riverlands: House Tully.
  27. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Aemon.
  28. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 17, Cersei IV.
  29. A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
  30. So Spake Martin: SF, Targaryens, Valyria, Sansa, Martells, and More (June 26, 2001)
  31. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 61, Daenerys VII.
  32. 32.0 32.1 32.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 7, Cersei II.
  33. So Spake Martin: Age of Sexual Relations in Westeros (October 5, 1999)
  34. 34.0 34.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 66, Bran VII.
  35. So Spake Martin: The Effects of Winter (June 21, 2001)
  36. 36.0 36.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 6, Catelyn II.
  37. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 64, Jon VIII.
  38. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 3, Jon I.
  39. The Winds of Winter, Theon I
  40. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 40, Bran III.
  41. 41.0 41.1 41.2 41.3 41.4 41.5 41.6 41.7 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 28, Bran IV.
  42. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 44, Jaime VI.
  43. 43.0 43.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 64, Arya X.
  44. So Spake Martin: Maester Chains and Valyrian Steel Links (June 20, 2001)
  45. 45.0 45.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 35, Samwell IV.
  46. So Spake Martin: Dragon Limbs and Gender, Valyrian Weapons and Maesters' Chains (April 16, 2008)
  47. 47.00 47.01 47.02 47.03 47.04 47.05 47.06 47.07 47.08 47.09 47.10 47.11 47.12 47.13 47.14 47.15 47.16 47.17 47.18 47.19 47.20 47.21 47.22 47.23 A Feast for Crows, Appendix.
  48. 48.0 48.1 48.2 48.3 Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I.
  49. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 25, Tyrion VI.
  50. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 5, Samwell I.
  51. A Dance with Dragons, Epilogue.
  52. Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession.
  53. The World of Ice & Fire, The Westerlands: House Lannister under the Dragons.
  54. 54.0 54.1 The Sworn Sword.
  55. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 45, Catelyn VI.
  56. The Mystery Knight.
  57. The Princess and the Queen.
  58. Fire & Blood, A Surfeits of Rulers.
  59. Fire & Blood, The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC.
  60. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 32, Reek III.
  61. The Hedge Knight.
  62. Fire & Blood, Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I.
  63. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 9, Tyrion I.
  64. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 25, Eddard V.