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'''Smallfolk''' are the common people of [[Westeros]], akin to peasants. 
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[[File:Kingslanding Red keep outside HBO.jpg|thumb|500px|Smallfolk near the [[Red Keep]] in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
They are at the bottom of the [[Westeros]]i social ladder. Most have to obey their local lord, even though they may never catch a glimpse of him during their life. The nobility of [[Westeros]] have great power over the smallfolk.
+
 
 +
'''Smallfolk''' or '''lowborn''' are the common people of the [[known world]]. Most are peasants who have to obey their local [[lord]], even though they may never catch a glimpse of him during their life. The [[nobility]] of [[Westeros]] have great power over their smallfolk, whom they are expected to protect.{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|ACOK|46}}
 +
 
 
==About==
 
==About==
Most smallfolk are poor, illiterate, and live very provincial, humble, simple lives. They do not have surnames. They dress in raw wool and dull brown roughspun. {{Ref|aFfC|26|p 476}} They often name their daughters after flowers and herbs. {{Ref|asos|2|p 29}} They are far removed from the major players of the game of thrones, but are of course affected by those decisions, good or bad.
+
Most smallfolk are poor, illiterate people living provincial, humble, and simple lives. Most do not have surnames. They use roads which are crooked muddy tracks that do not appear on parchment maps.{{Ref|AFFC|25}} Instead of castle-forged steel or lances,{{Ref|ACOK|2}} they are more likely to use [[w:Stick fighting|staffs]] as weapons.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} In Westeros, they often name their daughters after [[Plants|flowers and herbs]], like [[Violet]] or [[Tansy]],{{Ref|ASOS|2}} and peasant girls are more likely to bleed from losing their [[maidenhead]] on wedding nights, as it is uncommon for them to ride horses.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} They are far removed from the major players of the game of thrones, but are affected by those decisions, good or bad. [[Bastards]] with a lowborn parent can be called baseborn.{{Ref|ACOK|24}}{{Ref|ASOS|33}}{{Ref|ADWD|37}}{{Ref|TSS}}
 +
 
 +
In Westeros the smallfolk often dress in raw wool and dull brown roughspun, while nobles wear colored velvets, silks, and samites.{{Ref|AFFC|26}} The opposite is true in [[Braavos]], where nobles dress in dark hues while [[bravo]]s are brightly colored.{{Ref|AFFC|26}} The people of Lys, both noble and smallfolk, resemble the [[Valyrian Freehold|Valyrians]] of old.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}}
 +
 
 +
Some among the smallfolk may believe the world to be flat.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Trade_with_Asshai Trade with Asshai (August 26, 2000)]</ref> Smallfolk are often superstitious; some may believe that if a woman eats rabbit while pregnant, her child will be born with long floppy ears.{{Ref|ACOK|15}}
 +
 
 +
==Labor==
 +
Most smallfolk remain on the lower end of the social ladder all their lives. They usually learn their trade from their parents who have learned it from their parents and so forth. The labors mentioned in the books are:
 +
 
 +
===Alimentation and Nature===
 +
{{Columns|3|
 +
*[[w:Baker|Baker]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
*[[w:Beekeeper|Beekeeper]]{{Ref|ASOS|39}}
 +
*[[w:Brewing|Brewer]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
*[[w:Butcher|Butcher]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
*[[w:Cheesemaking|Cheesemaker]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
*[[w:Croft (land)|Crofter]]{{Ref|AGOT|55}}
 +
*[[w:Dyeing|Dyer]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
*[[w:Farmer|Farmer]]{{Ref|AGOT|19}}
 +
*[[w:Farrier|Farrier]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
*[[w:Felt|Felter]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
*[[w:Farmworker|Fieldhand]]{{Ref|AGOT|55}}
 +
*[[w:Fisherman|Fisherman]]{{Ref|AGOT|55}}
 +
*[[w:Forester|Forester]]{{Ref|ASOS|9}}
 +
*[[w:Hunting|Hunter]]{{Ref|ASOS|9}}
 +
*[[w:Leech collector|Leech collector]]{{Ref|ASOS|Prologue}}
 +
*[[w:Miller|Miller]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
*[[w:Poaching|Poacher]]{{Ref|AGOT|19}}
 +
*[[w:Rat-catcher|Ratcatcher]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}
 +
*[[w:Sausage making|Sausage maker]]{{Ref|THK}}
 +
*[[w:Shepherd|Sheepherder]]{{Ref|AGOT|55}}
 +
*[[w:Swineherd|Swineherd]]{{Ref|TSS}}
 +
*[[w:Winemaker|Vintner]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
*[[w:Woodsman|Woodsman]]{{Ref|ASOS|9}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Artisan===
 +
{{Columns|3|
 +
*[[w:Bricklayer|Bricklayer]]{{Ref|ADWD|11}}
 +
*[[w:Candle|Candlemaker]]{{Ref|ADWD|27}}
 +
*[[w:Carpentry|Carpenter]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
*[[w:Carving|Carver]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}
 +
*[[w:Shoemaking|Cobbler]]{{Ref|ACOK|8}}
 +
*[[w:Cooper (profession)|Cooper]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}
 +
*[[w:Cordwainer|Cordwainer]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}
 +
*[[w:Glassblowing|Glassblower]]{{Ref|ADWD|27}}
 +
*[[w:Glazier|Glazier]]{{Ref|ADWD|35}}
 +
*[[w:Bricklayer|Mason]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}
 +
**[[w:Stonemasonry|Stonemason]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
*[[w:Miner|Miner]]{{Ref|AGOT|19}}
 +
*[[w:Rope|Ropemaker]]{{Ref|AFFC|34}}
 +
*[[w:Sail|Sailmender]]{{Ref|AFFC|34}}
 +
*[[w:Dressmaker|Seamstress]]{{Ref|ASOS|28}}
 +
*[[w:Shipbuilding|Shipwright]]{{Ref|ACOK|16}}
 +
*Smith{{Ref|AGOT|19}}
 +
**[[w:Blacksmith|Blacksmith]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
**[[w:Goldsmith|Goldsmith]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
**[[w:Armourer|Master armorer]]{{Ref|AGOT|27}}
 +
**[[w:Silversmith|Silversmith]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
*[[w:Tanning (leather)|Tanner]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
*[[w:Weaving|Weaver]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
 +
*[[w:Woodworking|Woodworker]]{{Ref|AGOT|18}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Artist===
 +
{{Columns|3|
 +
*[[Fool]]{{Ref|AGOT|20}}
 +
*[[w:Juggling|Juggler]]{{Ref|AGOT|20}}
 +
*[[w:Musician|Musician]]{{Ref|AGOT|5}}
 +
*[[Mummer]]{{Ref|AFFC|34}}
 +
*[[w:Playwright|Playwright]]{{Ref|AFFC|34}}
 +
*[[w:Puppeteer|Puppeteer]]{{Ref|AFFC|32}}
 +
*[[w:Poet|Poet]]{{Ref|AFFC|28}}
 +
*[[w:Sculpture|Sculptor]]{{Ref|ADWD|5}}
 +
*[[w:Singing|Singer]]{{Ref|AGOT|5}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Noble household===
 +
{{Columns|3|
 +
*[[w:Cooking|Cook]]{{Ref|AGOT|8}}
 +
**[[w:Domestic worker|Scullion]]{{Ref|ACOK|11}}
 +
*[[Kennelmaster]]{{Ref|ACOK|18}}
 +
*[[w:Groom (profession)|Groom]]{{Ref|AGOT|4}}
 +
**Stableboy{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}
 +
**Stablehand{{Ref|AGOT|25}}
 +
*[[w:Castle-guard|Guard]]{{Ref|AGOT|1}}
 +
*[[w:Prison|Gaoler]]{{Ref|AGOT|38}}
 +
*[[Master of horse]]{{Ref|AGOT|1}}
 +
*[[w:Scribe|Scribe]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}
 +
*[[w:Steward (office)|Steward]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}
 +
*[[w:Tutor|Tutor]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}
 +
*[[Wet nurse]]{{Ref|AGOT|Prologue}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Merchant===
 +
{{Columns|3|
 +
*[[w:Chandlery|Chandler]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}
 +
*[[w:Fishwife|Fishwife]]{{Ref|ADWD|27}}
 +
*[[w:Greengrocer|Greengrocer]]{{Ref|ACOK|17}}
 +
*[[w:Inn|Innkeeper]]{{Ref|AGOT|55}}
 +
*[[w:Merchant|Merchant]]{{Ref|AGOT|41}}
 +
*[[Prostitution|Prostitute]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}
 +
*[[w:Tavern|Taverner]]{{Ref|AFFC|34}}
 +
*[[w:Merchant|Trader]]{{Ref|AGOT|55}}
 +
*[[w:Winemaker|Wineseller]]{{Ref|AGOT|54}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Transport===
 +
{{Columns|3|
 +
*[[w:Ferry|Ferryman]]{{Ref|AGOT|65}}
 +
*[[w:Rowing|Oarsman]]{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}
 +
*[[w:Porter (carrier)|Porter]]{{Ref|AFFC|34}}
 +
*[[w:Sailor|Sailor]]{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}
 +
*[[w:Wagon|Wagonman]]{{Ref|AGOT|19}}
 +
}}
  
Septon [[Meribald]] to [[Brienne]], speaking of the smallfolk: {{Quote|They are born, they live, they love, they die.}}
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==Advancement==
Ser [[Jorah Mormont]] put it thusly to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]:
+
Even though they are born in the lowest social status in Westeros, it is possible for smallfolk to rise in social status.
{{Quote|''The common people pray for rain, healthy children, and a summer that never ends. It is no matter to them if the high lords play their game of thrones, so long as they are left in peace. They never are.'' <ref>[[A Game of Thrones]], [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 23|Chapter 23]], Daenerys</ref>}}
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* [[Hedge knight]]s are usually born as smallfolk, but they may rise to higher positions. For example, Ser [[Duncan the Tall]] became [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] for King [[Aegon V Targaryen]].{{Ref|ASOS|67}} Great service may also be rewarded with [[knight]]hood as exemplified by the smuggler [[Davos Seaworth|Davos]], who slipped through the naval blockade during the [[siege of Storm's End]]. This saved the castle garrison from starvation, and Davos was rewarded by [[Stannis Baratheon]] with land, keep, and knighthood, becoming a [[landed knight]].{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}
 +
* Successful merchants can sometimes be ennobled, such as the founder of [[House Spicer]], a wealthy merchant{{Ref|AFFC|36}} whose father was lowborn.{{Ref|ASOS|19}}
 +
* It is possible for smallfolk to join city guards or the [[Night's Watch]] with the possibility of becoming a commander, like [[Janos Slynt]], Commander of the [[City Watch of King's Landing]].{{Ref|AGOT|57}}
 +
* Smallfolk are allowed to join the [[Citadel]] of [[Oldtown]], where they study to become [[maesters]].{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}}
 +
* The [[Faith of the Seven]] allows all to become [[septon]]s or [[septa]]s.
 +
* The [[Poor Fellows]], an order of the [[Faith Militant]], accepted members regardless of their status or their sex.{{Ref|AFFC|28}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
  
==Some characters popular with the smallfolk==
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==Popularity with the smallfolk==
{{Columns|2|
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===Popular characters===
*[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]
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{{Columns|3|
*[[Good Queen Alysanne]]
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*King [[Aegon I Targaryen]]{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}}
*Queen [[Alicent Hightower]]
+
*Prince [[Viserys Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Viserys Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragons}}
*[[Serwyn|Serwyn of the Mirror shield]] {{ref|acok|3|p 60}}
+
*King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}}{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
*[[Aemon Targaryen|Prince Aemon the Dragonknight]] {{ref|acok|3|p 60}}
+
*Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]]{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
*[[Baelor I Targaryen]]
+
*Ser [[Willam Stafford]]{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}}
*[[Aegon V Targaryen]]
+
*Ser [[Harys Hogg]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
*Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]]
+
*[[Jonquil Darke]]{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}}
*[[Renly Baratheon]] {{Ref|aCoK|42|p 612}}
+
*[[Elissa Farman]] (on [[Fair Isle]] at least){{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}
*[[Margaery Tyrell]]
+
*Ser [[Lucamore Strong]]{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
*[[Loras Tyrell]]
+
*Lord [[Rodrik Arryn]]{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
*[[Barristan the Bold]]{{ref|acok|3|p 60}}
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*Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
*[[Beric Dondarrion]]
+
*King [[Viserys I Targaryen]]{{Ref|TRP}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
 +
*Queen [[Alicent Hightower]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
 +
*Lord [[Alyn Velaryon]]{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}
 +
*King [[Daeron II Targaryen]]{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}
 +
*[[Serwyn of the Mirror Shield]]{{Ref|ACOK|3}}
 +
*Prince [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Viserys II)|Aemon the Dragonknight]]{{Ref|ACOK|3}}
 +
*King [[Baelor I Targaryen]]{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}
 +
*King [[Aegon V Targaryen]]{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}
 +
*Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]]{{Ref|AFFC|24}}
 +
*Lord [[Renly Baratheon]]{{Ref|ACOK|42}}
 +
*King [[Robert I Baratheon]]{{Ref|AGOT|57}}
 +
*Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]]{{Ref|AFFC|28}}
 +
*Ser [[Loras Tyrell]]{{Ref|ASOS|12}}
 +
*Ser [[Barristan Selmy]]{{Ref|ACOK|3}}
 +
*Lord [[Beric Dondarrion]]{{Ref|AFFC|25}}
 +
*[[Simon Toyne]]{{Ref|AFFC|30}}
 +
*Ser [[Arthur Dayne]]{{Ref|AFFC|30}}
 +
*[[High Sparrow]]{{Ref|AFFC|28}}
 
}}
 
}}
==Some characters unpopular with the smallfolk==
+
 
*[[Tywin Lannister]]
+
===Unpopular characters===
*[[Tyrion Lannister]]
+
*King [[Harren Hoare]]{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
*[[Cersei Lannister]]  
+
*King [[Aenys I Targaryen]] (loved at the start of his reign but hated by the end of it){{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}}
*The [[High Septon (Fat One)|fat High Septon]]
+
*King [[Maegor I Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragons}}
 +
*Queen [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]] (feared by the smallfolk at the end of her life){{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}}
 +
*Lord [[Rego Draz]]{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under Jaehaerys I}}
 +
*Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] (hailed as the "Realm's Delight" in her youth but hated at the end of her life){{Ref|TPATQ}}
 +
*Lord [[Bartimos Celtigar]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
 +
*Lord [[Brynden Rivers]]{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TMK}}
 +
*Lord [[Tywin Lannister]]{{Ref|AFFC|16}}
 +
*[[Tyrion Lannister]]{{Ref|ACOK|41}}
 +
*Queen [[Cersei Lannister]]{{Ref|ACOK|15}}
 +
*The [[High Septon (Fat One)|fat High Septon]]{{Ref|ACOK|20}}
 +
*[[House Lannister]]{{Ref|ACOK|41}}
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
During the [[Century of Blood]], many smallfolk in [[Essos]] fled before the [[Dothraki]].{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
 +
 
 +
[[Harren Hoare]] beggared lords and smallfolk during the construction of [[Harrenhal]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
 +
 
 +
Queen [[Rhaenys Targaryen]] was concerned for smallfolk and aided her brother, King [[Aegon I Targaryen]], in gaining their allegiance.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}} Smallfolk turned against their son, [[Aenys I Targaryen]], after he wed his children, Princess [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena]] and Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]] to each other.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}}
 +
 
 +
Tens of thousands of smallfolk died during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Iron Islands: The Red Kraken}} King [[Aegon III Targaryen]] tried to feed the hungry and entertain the smallfolk.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}
 +
 
 +
Smallfolk loved King [[Baelor I Targaryen]], although his generosity alarmed the [[nobility]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}
 +
 
 +
King [[Aegon V Targaryen]] was also beloved by the commoners, although most of his efforts to aid them with laws and reform were eventually reversed by the nobles.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
{{Quote|Thousands of smallfolk streamed out [[King's Landing|the city gates]], carrying their children and worldly possessions on their backs, to seek safety in the countryside. Others dug pits and tunnels under their hovels, dark dank holes where they hoped to hide [[Riot of King's Landing (the Dance of the Dragons)|whilst the city burned]].<ref>[[The Princess and the Queen]]</ref>}}
+
{{Quote|Thousands of smallfolk streamed out [[King's Landing|the city gates]], carrying their children and worldly possessions on their backs, to seek safety in the countryside. Others dug pits and tunnels under their hovels, dark dank holes where they hoped to hide [[Riot of King's Landing (Dance of the Dragons)|whilst the city burned]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}
 +
 
 +
{{Quote|A man has his pride, no matter how lowborn he may be.{{Ref|TSS}}|[[Duncan the Tall]] to [[Aegon V Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]]}}
 +
 
 +
{{Quote|The common people pray for rain, healthy children, and a summer that never ends. It is no matter to them if the high lords play their game of thrones, so long as they are left in peace. They never are.{{Ref|AGOT|23}}| [[Jorah Mormont]] to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}
 +
 
 +
{{Quote|That was the way of war. The smallfolk were slaughtered, while the highborn were held for ransom.{{Ref|ACOK|20}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}
 +
 
 +
{{Quote|'''Stannis''': What do the smallfolk say of [[Renly Baratheon|Renly's]] death?<br>
 +
'''Davos''': They grieve. Your brother was well loved.<br>
 +
'''Stannis''': Fools love a [[fool]], but I grieve for him as well.{{Ref|ACOK|42}}|[[Stannis Baratheon]] and [[Davos Seaworth]]}}
 +
 
 +
{{Quote|I'm too bloody lowborn to be kin to m'lady high.{{Ref|ASOS|29}}|[[Gendry]] to [[Arya Stark]]}}
 +
 
 +
{{Quote|Keep your eyes down and your tone respectful and say ser a lot, and most [[knight]]s will never see you. They pay more mind to horses than to smallfolk.{{Ref|ASOS|50}}|[[Sandor Clegane]] to [[Arya Stark]]}}
  
 +
{{Quote|They are born, they live, they love, they die.{{Ref|AFFC|25}}|[[Meribald]] to [[Brienne of Tarth]]}}
  
{{Quote|That was the way of war.  The smallfolk were slaughtered, while the highborn were held for ransom. {{Ref|ACOK|20|p 230}}}}
+
{{Quote|If we mingle with the commons, they will love us better.{{Ref|AFFC|28}}|[[Tommen Baratheon]] to [[Cersei Lannister]]}}
  
 +
{{Quote|It is being common-born that is dangerous, when the great lords play their game of thrones.{{Ref|AFFC|37}}|[[Meribald]] to [[Hyle Hunt]]}}
  
{{Quote|Fools love a fool {{Ref|ACOK|42|p 612}}}}
+
==References==
- [[Stannis]]'s reply on hearing the smallfolk grieve for [[Renly Baratheon|his dead brother]]
+
{{References|2}}
  
==References and Notes==
+
[[Category:Smallfolk| ]]
{{References}}
+
[[Category:Society]]
  
[[Category:Westeros]]
 
 
[[es:Pueblo llano]]
 
[[es:Pueblo llano]]
 +
[[pt:Plebeu]]

Revision as of 19:26, 15 October 2022

Smallfolk near the Red Keep in Game of Thrones

Smallfolk or lowborn are the common people of the known world. Most are peasants who have to obey their local lord, even though they may never catch a glimpse of him during their life. The nobility of Westeros have great power over their smallfolk, whom they are expected to protect.[1][2]

About

Most smallfolk are poor, illiterate people living provincial, humble, and simple lives. Most do not have surnames. They use roads which are crooked muddy tracks that do not appear on parchment maps.[3] Instead of castle-forged steel or lances,[4] they are more likely to use staffs as weapons.[5] In Westeros, they often name their daughters after flowers and herbs, like Violet or Tansy,[6] and peasant girls are more likely to bleed from losing their maidenhead on wedding nights, as it is uncommon for them to ride horses.[5] They are far removed from the major players of the game of thrones, but are affected by those decisions, good or bad. Bastards with a lowborn parent can be called baseborn.[7][8][9][1]

In Westeros the smallfolk often dress in raw wool and dull brown roughspun, while nobles wear colored velvets, silks, and samites.[10] The opposite is true in Braavos, where nobles dress in dark hues while bravos are brightly colored.[10] The people of Lys, both noble and smallfolk, resemble the Valyrians of old.[11]

Some among the smallfolk may believe the world to be flat.[12] Smallfolk are often superstitious; some may believe that if a woman eats rabbit while pregnant, her child will be born with long floppy ears.[13]

Labor

Most smallfolk remain on the lower end of the social ladder all their lives. They usually learn their trade from their parents who have learned it from their parents and so forth. The labors mentioned in the books are:

Alimentation and Nature

Artisan

Artist

Noble household

Merchant

Transport

Advancement

Even though they are born in the lowest social status in Westeros, it is possible for smallfolk to rise in social status.

Popularity with the smallfolk

Popular characters

Unpopular characters

History

During the Century of Blood, many smallfolk in Essos fled before the Dothraki.[86]

Harren Hoare beggared lords and smallfolk during the construction of Harrenhal.[76]

Queen Rhaenys Targaryen was concerned for smallfolk and aided her brother, King Aegon I Targaryen, in gaining their allegiance.[58] Smallfolk turned against their son, Aenys I Targaryen, after he wed his children, Princess Rhaena and Prince Aegon to each other.[77]

Tens of thousands of smallfolk died during the Dance of the Dragons.[87] King Aegon III Targaryen tried to feed the hungry and entertain the smallfolk.[88]

Smallfolk loved King Baelor I Targaryen, although his generosity alarmed the nobility.[70]

King Aegon V Targaryen was also beloved by the commoners, although most of his efforts to aid them with laws and reform were eventually reversed by the nobles.[71]

Quotes

Thousands of smallfolk streamed out the city gates, carrying their children and worldly possessions on their backs, to seek safety in the countryside. Others dug pits and tunnels under their hovels, dark dank holes where they hoped to hide whilst the city burned.[80]

—writings of Gyldayn

A man has his pride, no matter how lowborn he may be.[1]

The common people pray for rain, healthy children, and a summer that never ends. It is no matter to them if the high lords play their game of thrones, so long as they are left in peace. They never are.[89]

That was the way of war. The smallfolk were slaughtered, while the highborn were held for ransom.[85]

—thoughts of Tyrion Lannister

Stannis: What do the smallfolk say of Renly's death?

Davos: They grieve. Your brother was well loved.

Stannis: Fools love a fool, but I grieve for him as well.[73]

I'm too bloody lowborn to be kin to m'lady high.[90]

Keep your eyes down and your tone respectful and say ser a lot, and most knights will never see you. They pay more mind to horses than to smallfolk.[91]

They are born, they live, they love, they die.[3]

If we mingle with the commons, they will love us better.[5]

It is being common-born that is dangerous, when the great lords play their game of thrones.[92]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 The Sworn Sword.
  2. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 46, Bran VI.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 25, Brienne V.
  4. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 2, Sansa I.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 28, Cersei VI.
  6. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 2, Catelyn I.
  7. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 24, Theon II.
  8. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 33, Samwell II.
  9. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 37, The Prince of Winterfell.
  10. 10.0 10.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 26, Samwell III.
  11. The World of Ice & Fire, The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh.
  12. So Spake Martin: Trade with Asshai (August 26, 2000)
  13. 13.0 13.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 15, Tyrion III.
  14. 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 14.13 14.14 14.15 14.16 14.17 14.18 Fire & Blood, Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies.
  15. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 39, Arya VII.
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 55, Catelyn VIII.
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 19, Jon III.
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 9, Bran I.
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  20. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son.
  21. The Hedge Knight.
  22. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 11, Daenerys II.
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  25. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 8, Tyrion II.
  26. 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 26.5 The World of Ice & Fire, The Iron Islands.
  27. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 35, Jon VII.
  28. 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 28.4 28.5 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 34, Cat Of The Canals.
  29. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 28, Sansa III.
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  39. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 18, Sansa II.
  40. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 4, Eddard I.
  41. A Game of Thrones, Appendix.
  42. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 25, Eddard V.
  43. 43.0 43.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 1, Bran I.
  44. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 38, Tyrion V.
  45. A Game of Thrones, Prologue.
  46. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 17, Tyrion IV.
  47. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 41, Jon V.
  48. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I.
  49. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 54, Daenerys VI.
  50. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 65, Arya V.
  51. 51.0 51.1 51.2 A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
  52. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 67, Jaime VIII.
  53. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 36, Cersei VIII.
  54. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 19, Tyrion III.
  55. 55.0 55.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 57, Sansa V.
  56. A Feast for Crows, Prologue.
  57. Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
  58. 58.0 58.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I.
  59. 59.0 59.1 Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragons.
  60. 60.0 60.1 60.2 Fire & Blood, The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC.
  61. 61.0 61.1 Fire & Blood, A Surfeit of Rulers.
  62. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I.
  63. 63.0 63.1 63.2 Fire & Blood, The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain.
  64. The Rogue Prince.
  65. Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession.
  66. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens.
  67. Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows.
  68. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II.
  69. 69.0 69.1 69.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 3, Tyrion I.
  70. 70.0 70.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I.
  71. 71.0 71.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V.
  72. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 24, Cersei V.
  73. 73.0 73.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 42, Davos II.
  74. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 12, Tyrion II.
  75. 75.0 75.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 30, Jaime IV.
  76. 76.0 76.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest.
  77. 77.0 77.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I.
  78. Fire & Blood, A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade.
  79. Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under Jaehaerys I.
  80. 80.0 80.1 The Princess and the Queen.
  81. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant.
  82. The Mystery Knight.
  83. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 16, Jaime II.
  84. 84.0 84.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 41, Tyrion IX.
  85. 85.0 85.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 20, Tyrion V.
  86. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 14, Tyrion IV.
  87. The World of Ice & Fire, The Iron Islands: The Red Kraken.
  88. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III.
  89. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 23, Daenerys III.
  90. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 29, Arya V.
  91. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 50, Arya X.
  92. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 37, Brienne VII.