History of Westeros

Red Dragon or Black? – The First Blackfyre Rebellion

“Red or black?” was a dangerous question, even now. Since the days of Aegon the Conquerer, the arms of House Targaryen had borne a three-headed dragon, red on black. Daemon the Pretender had reversed those colors on his own banners, as many bastards did. – The Sworn Sword

Which houses fought for which side during the First Blackfyre Rebellion? Red dragon or black?

Though the war engulfed much of the Seven Kingdoms, we are left guessing as to who fought for whom in many cases. We’ve hunted for every last clue we could, inferred, deduced… and when we had no better option, we made educated guesses. So many of these should not be taken as certain. An unusually pious, honorable, greedy or ambitious Lord could easily change the scope of our guess, so keep that in mind.

Thanks to Jim McGeehin (SomethingLikeALawyer from the Wars & Politics of Ice and Fire) Steven Attewell (Race for the Iron Throne) and Rhaenys Targaryen (top ASOIAF Wiki contributor & Queen of Timelines). This post is intended as a companion piece for our Blackfyre Rebellions coverage, most notably “The Battle of Redgrass Field” which was released on October 31st, 2015.

We’ll go through this region by region. If you don’t see your favorite house listed, let us know and we’ll add it!

First off, the North and the Iron Islands seemed to have not been involved at all. The Redgrass field episode will go into greater detail as to why…

The Vale

For King Daeron II Targaryen:

  • Arryn
  • Templeton
  • Waynwood
  • Corbray

These banners were all seen at the Redgrass Field, save Corbray. Lord Donnel Arryn led the vanguard. Ser Gwayne Corbray of the Kingsguard fought an epic duel with Daemon Blackfyre himself, making it highly likely the Corbrays in general stayed loyal.

For Daemon Blackfyre:

  • Sunderland
  • Royce?

There is no hard evidence suggesting House Royce fought for Daemon Blackfyre. Their house has a history of stubborn loyalty, which is possible strike against this idea. However, we know there was hard fighting in the Vale, yet so many of the major houses are named and none are Rebels. It is hard to imagine the Sunderlands (and the Three Sisters) being such a major problem on their own. The Three Sisters are islands, but not wealthy or populous. There had to be someone powerful in the Vale fighting for the Black Dragon. The bronze-armored Royces (as you’ll see in an upcoming episode on them) like tradition and the old way of doing things.  King Daeron the Good represented change.

Since House Royce has had major issues with House Arryn in the past, and are proud and ancient besides, perhaps they saw a chance to topple House Arryn from the top spot and become Lords Paramount of the Vale. It could be seen as finally taking revenge on the House that removed them from the top spot in the Vale so long ago. The House that took their ancient bronze crown for good and all.

Notable Unknown:

  • Belmore
  • Grafton (Gulltown)
  • Arryn of Gulltown
  • Hardyng
  • Hunter
  • Redfort

The Redforts, also proud of their First Men heritage, have close ties & proximity to the Royces, it’s not unlikely the fought on the same side. The Arryns of Gulltown may have sought an opportunity to supplant the Lordly Arryns of the Eyrie, or supported their cousins honorably.

 

The Westerlands

For King Daeron II Targaryen:

  • Lannister
  • Brax 
  • Kyndall
  • Lefford
  • Plumm

Lord Damon Lannister, the Grey Lion, is specifically mentioned as a loyalist. His wife was a lady of House Brax, and his son and heir’s wife was married to a lady of House Kyndall, so both are presumed loyalists. Princess Elaena Targaryen’s marriage to Ossifer Plumm, though short lived, may indicate loyalist leanings.

For Daemon Blackfyre:

  • Reyne
  • Crakehall

The famous knight Ser Robb Reyne fought for Daemon Blackfyre. It’s possible House Reyne was divided, but we prefer to guess that they were fully Black. Likewise, the famous knight Redtusk fought for Daemon. There are very few houses in Westeros that feature an animal with a tusk. The boar of Crakehall is the most notable. That Daemon had major support in the West helps back this theory.

Fought on both sides:

  • Tarbeck

Not unlike the Swanns in the War of Five Kings, or the Hightowers in… well, several wars, House Tarbeck sent men to fight for both the Red and Black Dragon.

Notable Unknown:

  • Marbrand
  • Greenfield
  • Farman
  • Payne
  • Prester
  • Sarsfield
  • Swyft
  • Westerling

The Westerlings used to be powerful and highly-regarded. So much so that King Maegor took a certain Jeyne Westerling to wife. That didn’t go so great for Jeyne, and as we know from Robb Stark’s experience, the Westerlings are now poor. The Red Wedding was a way for them to climb back up the ladder. But what caused them to be destitute in the first place? Perhaps they fought on the wrong side of a major rebellion and were punished for it afterwards. It probably wasn’t Robert’s Rebellion, since Tywin sat on the sidelines. So *obviously* it is Daemon Blackfyre’s fault that the Red Wedding happened. House Marbrand’s close ties to House Lannister (and proximity) makes them highly likely to be loyalist. House Farman, which sits on an island, could’ve remained neutral, especially if they feared what the nearby Ironborn might do during the chaos.


The Riverlands

For King Daeron II Targaryen:

  • Tully
  • Blackwood
  • Smallwood

For Daemon Blackfyre:

  • Bracken
  • Shawney
  • Nayland
  • Heddle
  • Paege 
  • Frey 

House Bracken is Bittersteel’s house, and we know that Lord Bracken went overseas to hire sellswords for Daemon. Masha Heddle ran the Inn at the Crossroads, where Catelyn Stark had Tyrion arrested…  and Black Tom Heddle is her ancestor. Black Tom was a Blackfyre supporter, and one wonders if the Heddles had land and title that was taken from them after being on the wrong side of the First rebellion.

It’s easy to miss that Lord Walder Frey was born before the Second Blackfyre Rebellion, which saw his father join only to back out just before things got nasty. Perhaps this is where Lord Walder eventually learned to delay supporting a side until seeing who is going to win. It is not known if the Freys played a role in the First Rebellion, but their presence in the Second might be a clue. Nayland and Paege are similar cases.

Also:

  • Butterwell
  • Lothston

Lord Butterwell was Hand of the King to Daeron II and did such a poor job at managing the rebellion that he was fired and accused of sympathizing with Daemon.

Lord Manfred Lothston, aka Manfred of the Black Hood, betrayed Daemon in some unknown fashion. He may have been expected to use his men to delay the Vale army that eventually got in Daemon’s way as his host headed for King’s Landing. Interestingly, Manfred himself may have been another bastard of King Aegon IV.

Notable Unknown:

  • Mallister
  • Vance
  • Darry
  • Mooton
  • Piper

As owners of a decent sized port, House Mooton of Maidenpool would be valuable to both sides, but particularly Daemon as he had less presence on the east coast. But we have no clue which side they took, if any.

House Darry is noted for it’s staunch loyalty to the Targaryens over the years, so we would guess they fought for Daeron II.


Stormlands

For King Daeron II:

  • Penrose
  • Dondarrion
  • Wylde

Prince Aerys (later King Aerys I) was brother to King Daeron II, was married to Aelinor Penrose (a cousin). The sons of Lady Penrose, save one, were slain by Fireball during the crossing of the Mander.

House Dondarrion, as a marcher house, would be expected to fight for Daemon Blackfyre. But Daeron II foresaw this danger long in advance and wedded his heir Baelor Breakspear to Lady Jena Dondarrion, assuring their loyalty.

House Wylde had a knight named Ser William in King Daeron’s Kingsguard either before or after the war. In any case, it’s unlikely a house that fought for the Blackfyres would be admitted to the Kingsguard, so we can be confident they were loyalists.

For Daemon Blackfyre:

  • Caron
  • Selmy
  • Swann

These three are the principle Marcher Houses in the Stormlands (save the Dondarrions). These are houses that have long standing hatred of the Dornish, and would despise their high place in the royal family. It is likely that they declared for Daemon Blackfyre, but by the time of the Redgrass Field, Baelor had won over the Stormlands entirely, or almost entirely. Thus, either the Marcher lords stood largely alone, or perhaps one or two of them did not fight for Daemon after all.

Notable Unknown:

  • Baratheon
  • Tarth
  • Estermont
  • Morrigen
  • Connington

No Great Houses fought for Daemon Blackfyre, so the Baratheons were likely to be loyal or neutral. Others would have followed their lead for the most part, but there would’ve likely be an exception or two.

Dorne

For King Daeron II:

  • Martell
  • Dayne
  • Manwoody

The Martells were part of the Royal Family, Daeron II’s wife was Princess Mariah Martell. Prince Maekar, “the Anvil” was likewise married to Dyanna Dayne. Princess Elaena Targaryen’s 3rd husband, and most beloved, was Ser Michael Manwoody. This makes it likely that House Manwoody was on good terms with the Targaryens after the war, so we assume they were loyalists.

For Daemon Blackfyre:

  • Yronwood 
  • Wyl

House Yronwood was said to “ride with Bittersteel in 3 of the Rebellions”. It is confirmed that they were not in the 2nd, and Bittersteel was not in the 5th. That leaves the 1st, 3rd and 4th. They were the primary House in all of Dorne until the coming of Nymeria, and the titles the Lords of Yronwood take reflect this ancient pride. They would’ve loved to take back Dorne from the Martells.

House Wyl is a notorious house and vassal to the Yronwoods. This is the same House that cut the hand off Orys Baratheon, hung Prince Aemon the Dragonknight in a pit above vipers, and taunted King Baelor as he walked past. They were likely involved in treachery that slew King Daeron I the Young Dragon. Given all this enmity with House Targaryen and the attitude of their overlords the Yronwoods, it’s a safe bet that there were not loyalists.

Notable Unknown

  • Fowler 
  • Blackmont
  • Uller
  • Santagar
  • Jordayne
  • Gargalen
  • Vaith

The Fowlers hate the Yronwoods, who fought for Daemon, but they also hate the Tarlys who probably fought for Daemon. The Houses farther from Sunspear would be among the more likely to dislike the Martells, while a house like Santagar, close by (and vassals of), would likely stay loyal.

 

The Reach

For King Daeron II:

  • Caswell
  • Webber
  • Tyrell
  • Rowan
  • Ashford

Interestingly, House Caswell seems to have been loyal in the First Rebellion, only to harbor Blackfyre sympathies during the Second. The reasons for this are unknown.

Refer to the podcast episode for our thoughts on House Tyrell. Steven Attewell has a great theory on how Leo “Longthorn” Tyrell may have been playing a Tywin/Lord Walder wait-and-see who gains the upper hand approach…

House Webber’s was loyal per The Sworn Sword. House Rowan is seen to be on excellent terms with the throne during the same time period.

House Ashford hosted the tourney seen in the Hedge Knight. It is unlikely house so recently in rebellion would’ve had so many Targaryen Princes appear, especially as they seemed on very good terms with Lord Ashford.

For Daemon Blackfyre:

  • Peake
  • Ball
  • Strickland
  • Costayne
  • Ambrose
  • Osgrey
  • Vyrwel
  • Bulwer
  • Cockshaw
  • Risley
  • Cuy
  • Tarly

Here’s the best example of ambitious types we spoke of in Daemon’s episode: House Peake. They have a long history of aiming high, most notably during the Dance of the Dragons. They’re the ones who snagged the Manderly castle after encouraging the King of the Reach to drive them out. Lord Gormon seems to be cut from the same cloth. He commanded the Rebel center during the Battle of Redgrass field and personally slew Hand of the King Lord Hayford in the process. Lord Gormon lost two of his ancestral castles, leaving him with Starpike.

A descendant of his rebelled and slew King Maekar after the King put Starpike under siege.

Some of these houses may not sound familiar, or formidable, but that might be because they were on the losing side. Losers get punished, so some of these names may have loomed quite a bit larger a century ago. Some of the houses listed there aimed to fight for Daemon II in the Second Rebellion, making it likely but not certain that they also fought for Daemon I.

House Ball is Fireball’s house. House Ambrose saw the famous knight Ser Aubrey Ambrose pledge to Daemon Blackfyre. Young Lord Alyn Cockshaw was a close confidant (and probable lover) of Daemon II, and knew all of Daemon’s sons as a child, as they grew up together. House Osgrey of course, is our main source of information for the Battle of Redgrass Field.

House Vyrwel may have been playing double agent in the Second Rebellion. There is some evidence that they were working with Bloodraven. This may have been an attempt to get back into the good graces of the Iron Throne.

House Tarly, as a marcher house, would be likely to fight for Daemon Blackfyre to stop the Dornish encroachment.

Also:

  • Hightower
  • Oakheart

Both of these notable houses supported both sides in unknown fashion.

Notable Unknown:

  • Beesbury
  • Florent
  • Fossoway
  • Shield Islands houses
  • Merryweather
  • Redwyne
  • Roxton
  • Serry

Often, houses follow the lead of their primary overlord. House Beesbury is vassal to Hightower, but the Hightowers played both sides.

House Florent has long sought to claim Highgarden, we hear of it in ASOIAF in current times even. This would’ve seemed like a golden opportunity to become Lords Paramount of the Reach. A perfect example of a “second best tier” house trying to move up, as discussed in the podcast.

The Shield Islands houses, like the Farmans of the West, may have been too concerned with the Ironborn to play a major role.

House Fossoway had not yet split into the Green and Red apple branches, but a Ser Derek “the Bad Apple” Fossoway was one of the Band of Nine along with Maelys the Monstrous. Perhaps the connection to the Blackfyres goes back to the First Rebellion.

Crownlands

For King Daeron II:

House Darklyn of Duskendale is noted for it’s historic loyalty, putting *seven* knights into the Kingsguard over the years. This truth is obscured by the more recent Defiance of Duskendale.

There’s a chance House Velaryon fought for Daemon Blackfyre. Daemon’s grandmother Daenaera would have only the barest relation to Daeron II. Though Oakenfist (d171-176) was the one who arranged Viserys’ release from Lys, that may not matter. Oakenfist was also Daeron I’s admiral, and his own descendants may have preferred to back the man who didn’t make peace with Daeron I’s murderers. Aegon IV arguably tried to have Oakenfist killed by repeatedly sending him on dangerous missions. Eventually, it worked.Hayford

The Crownlands are sworn to the Iron Throne, thus this region would be mostly or near-entirely for Daeron II. But this is not 100% certain.

Lord Hayford became Hand of the King during the war, and was stalwart. Yet apart from Hayford, we hear of the Crownlanders not at all on the Redgrass Field…

See a house missing? Let us know and we’ll add our best guess!

Ten Warriors at the Tower of Joy

They were seven, facing three. In the dream as it had been in life.

One of the most important and hotly debated central mysteries in A Song of Ice and Fire is “what happened at the Tower of Joy?”. Most of the discussion is on *that* “mystery”, of course. Because *that* dominates so much as a topic, some of the other fun and important details get lost in the shuffle. This post is dedicated to those very details, many of which play major roles in the current storyline.

The Tower of Joy was located in northern part of the Prince’s Pass, which connects Dorne to the Reach through the Red Mountains. We say “was located”, as Ned’s thoughts tell us he pulled it down to make eight cairns, one each for those listed here that fought, save himself and Howland Reed, who survived.

These mini-profiles of the 10 men who fought in the shadow of the Tower of Joy may contain a few things you missed. Enjoy.

The Kingsguard Three

  • Lord Commander Gerold Hightower – “The White Bull”
    • Prowess: Jaime thinks of him as one of the strongest he’s ever known. At the time of the battle, Ned recalls him as fierce, though old. We guess that he’s likely at least twice the age of anyone else present.
    • Family & Connections: Ser Gerold was uncle to Lord Leyton, current head of House Hightower, one of the most ancient and noble houses in Westeros.
    • History Note: Became Lord Commander upon the death of Ser Duncan the Tall (259 AC). Commanded the combined Westerosi forces in the War of Ninepenny Kings following the death of Lord Ormund Baratheon (grandfather of Robert, Stannis & Renly).  He was Lord Commander for 24 years and was succeeded by Ser Barristan the Bold.
    • Quote: Ned recalls him saying: “The Kingsguard does not flee.” just before the battle began.
  • Ser Arthur Dayne – “the Sword of the Morning”
    • Prowess: Said to be the greatest knight of his generation, famous for his skill at arms, his strength, his discipline, his honor, his chivalry and of course, the ancestral sword Dawn, the most famous sword in the Seven Kingdoms. GRRM said that without Dawn, with both in their prime, Ser Arthur vs. Ser Barristan the Bold would be too close to call. With Dawn, Ser Arthur would win…
    • Family & Connections: It’s said that he was Prince Rhaegar Targaryen’s closest and most trusted friend. One might think he was privy to many of Rhaegar’s secrets.
      • Brother to Lady Ashara Dayne, who supposedly killed herself shortly after this battle and the apparent stillbirth of her child.
      • Uncle to ~13 year old Lord Edric Dayne, former squire to Lord Beric Dondarrion.
      • Of the houses present, it is their family’s home castle of Starfall that is nearest to the Tower of Joy. It’s notable that Lord Edric is nicknamed “Ned”, despite Ned Stark’s direct involvement with Ser Arthur’s death. One might think House Dayne would hate that name.
    • History Note:  Jaime received his knighthood from Ser Arthur. Dawn is so sharp that a light touch on his shoulder during the knighting ceremony was enough to cause bleeding. “All knights must bleed, Jaime,” Ser Arthur Dayne had said, when he saw. “Blood is the seal of our devotion.”
    • Quote: “And now it begins” just before unsheathing Dawn at the Tower of Joy, if Ned’s fever dream can be trusted.
  • Ser Oswell Whent – Across his white-enameled helm, the black bat of his House spread its wings.
    • Prowess: Aerys’ Kingsguard was said to be among the greatest ever, thus it is likely that Oswell was excellent, if not elite. He and his 4 nephews were champions at the Tourney of the False Spring, and was the only one to keep his place, the others were challenged and defeated.
    • Family & Connections: Brother to Lord Walter Whent, who hosted this same famous tourney (in 281), where Lyanna was named Queen of Love and Beauty by Rhaegar Targaryen… the event that started it all, you might say. A close friend of Prince Rhaegar, he was said to have a morbid sense of humor.
    • History Note: Catelyn Tully’s mother was Minisa Whent, an unknown relation to Ser Oswell and Lord Walter, but blood regardless. Thus, Ned’s wife and all his children have Whent blood. It is unknown who slew Ser Oswell.
    • Quote: Regarding the 3’s absence at the crucial Battle of the Trident, Ned recalls Ser Oswell’s confident reply, “Woe to the Usurper if we had been”

 

Lord Eddard Stark’s Seven

  • Lord William Dustin – “…Lord Dustin on his great red stallion.” (a gift from Lady Barbrey)
    • Prowess: That Ned chose him as a companion perhaps gives him some credibility. Perhaps he accounted himself well during Robert’s Rebellion.
    • Family & Connections: Lord of Barrowton, newly married to Lady Barbrey Ryswell when war broke out.
    • History Note: She bears a grudge against Ned and House Stark for his death. She is the ruling Lady of Barrowton, so this grudge is significant:
      • She gave minimum support to Robb Stark when he marched south.
      • Lord Bolton mentions that her grudge is a large part of why he can count on House Dustin’s support, and her strength is significant in part because she held back. Thus, Lord William’s death at the Tower of Joy has contributed to the downfall of the Starks in multiple ways.
    • Quote: “He had kin he might have sent in his stead. An uncle famed for his prowess with an axe, a great-uncle who had fought in the War of the Ninepenny Kings. But he was a man and full of pride, nothing would serve but that he lead the Barrowton levies himself.”
  • Ethan Glover – “Ethan Glover, who had been Brandon’s squire”
    • Prowess: A squire is unlikely to be an adult, so he was probably too young to be much of a warrior. Many young men gained experience fighting in the rebellion, but he was likely held captive throughout most of the war. His inclusion in the party at all is interesting. Could it be that he had important information, such as knowledge of the Tower of Joy’s location? or that Lyanna was there?
    • Family & Connections: A member of House Glover, who are masters of Deepwood Motte. Unknown relation to Galbart and Robett Glover, but he could be their brother. House Glover is known for outstanding loyalty to House Stark. Galbart, Robett and Ethan are outstanding examples.
    • History Note: His tale is particularly tragic. Witness to Lord Rickard and Brandon Stark’s deaths, he had accompanied Brandon to King’s Landing from Riverrun upon learning of Lyanna Stark’s abduction by Rhaegar Targaryen. All of Brandon’s other companions & their fathers were executed, and it remains uncertain why Ethan was spared. He survived the Mad King and Robert’s Rebellion only to die at the Tower of Joy.
    • Quote: “He was the only one to survive. The others were Jeffory Mallister, Kyle Royce, and Elbert Arryn, Jon Arryn’s nephew and heir…Aerys accused them of treason and summoned their fathers to court to answer the charge, with the sons as hostages. When they came, he had them murdered without trial. Fathers and sons both.”
  • Martyn Cassel – “Proud Martyn Cassel, Jory’s father.”
    • Prowess: Unknown, but the Cassel family has served House Stark in a variety of roles for many generations, often as fighters.  It’s likely he was skilled, but likely less so than any of the Kingsguard.
    • Family & Connections: brother to Ser Rodrik, who was Winterfell’s Castellan and father to Jory, who was Winterfell’s Captain of Guards. Beth Cassel, daughter of Ser Rodrik, is the only living Cassel and she is currently a captive at the Dreadfort.
    • History Note: Ned’s fever dream, which gives us most of the detail we have on the Tower of Joy, occurs just after his leg injury. He and his men fight Lannister men in the streets of King’s Landing in the pouring rain. Seven of Jaime’s men die, and three men of Winterfell, including Jory. The similarities between the conflict may have triggered Ned’s memories, particularly the death of Jory, whose father Martyn died fighting the three Kingsguard as one of Ned’s seven. This comparison hits hard:
      • Littlefinger and the City Watch found him there in the street, cradling Jory Cassel’s body in his arms.
      • They had found him still holding her (Lyanna’s) body, silent with grief.
    • Quote: Ser Rodrik – “My brother Martyn fathered four strong sons, yet only Jory lived to be a man. When he was slain, Martyn’s line died with him. When we speak of the morrow nothing is ever certain.”
  • Theo Wull – “faithful Theo Wull”
    • Prowess: The brutal winters in the hills of the North breed hard men. The Wulls descend from stock who have had uncountable conflicts with wildlings and Ironmen, and are known for their prowess. There’s a decent chance this man was the best of Ned’s seven.
    • Family & Connections: Given the quote below, we’re guessing Theo Wull may have gotten to know Ned through Howland Reed. The current Wull, perhaps Theo’s son, is among the loudest in calling for the rescue of Arya, and he lusts for the blood of Boltons.
    • History Note: The Wulls are historically the most powerful of the northern hill clans.
    • Quote: Meera Reed – “Jojen, wasn’t there a Wull who rode with Father during the war?”
      “Theo Wull.” Jojen was breathing hard from the climb. “Buckets, they used to call him.”
  • Ser Mark Ryswell – “Ser Mark Ryswell, soft of speech and gentle of heart”
    • Prowess: Though information is scarce, and this quote points to a non-martial personality, knighthood is rare in the North, and may speak to his ability.
    • Family & Connections: House Ryswell is currently divided, and it is not known which branch Ser Mark belonged to. The current state of affairs sees the Ryswells as an ally of House Bolton. We wonder if Ser Mark’s death is a factor here. It’s good to remember that Lady Barbrey Dustin is a Ryswell by birth.
    • History Note: Ser Mark could be Lady Barbrey’s uncle, but she never mentions this, so their family connection is unknown. In general we know little of him.
    • Quote:  Ned had known their faces as well as he knew his own once, but the years leech at a man’s memories, even those he has vowed never to forget. In the dream they were only shadows, grey wraiths on horses made of mist.
  • Howland Reed – “My father knew the worth of Howland Reed” – King Robb Stark
    • Prowess: Evidence from the Knight of the Laughing tree tale indicates Howland was not a strong fighter, but the Crannogmen are known for fighting with nets, arrows and poison. He might’ve played a critical role in the battle via these skills. Ned claims that Ser Arthur would’ve killed him if not for Howland Reed.
    • Family & Connections: Crannogman with dominion over all those of his kind in the Neck. Lord of Greywater Watch. Father to Meera & Jojen, friend to Ned Stark and probably Theo Wull.
    • History Note: The debate rages over whether or not there were others at the tower during this fight. Regardless of who has the right of it, Howland Reed is the only named individual certain to be both alive now and holding intimate knowledge of the event.  Though he is Lord now, he was likely not yet so at this time.
    • Quote:  He’s probably the most anticipated character yet to make an appearance. GRRM is aware of this, and has responded in the past: “He will appear eventually.”
  • Lord Eddard Stark – You’ve probably heard of him already.
    • Prowess: Though he claims that Howland’s help was crucial, Ned did fight Ser Arthur and may not have even suffered a wound. He may have only faced Ser Arthur at the very end, after all others were slain. By this point, Ser Arthur may have himself been wounded. But we must be careful making any assumptions. George himself has pointed out that Ned’s memories of this occurred during a fever dream, and may not be entirely reliable. George has also confirmed that Lord Eddard did not fight with the Valyrian Steel blade Ice, it was too large.
    • Family & Connections: Ned’s rumored relationship with Ashara Dayne makes the death of her brother Arthur Dayne very sad. Ashara’s death coming so close after Lyanna’s death piles on even more tragedy. However, Ned’s POV is only revealing in that he never once thinks of Ashara.
    • History Note: After the fight, he returned Dawn to the Daynes, and this may have triggered Ashara’s suicide. He returned Lord Dustin’s horse to his widow, and this triggered her grudge against the Starks. Then there’s what he returned to Winterfell with, that child born of… Oh wait, we’re not discussing that here.
    • Quote: He dreamt an old dream, of three knights in white cloaks, and a tower long fallen, and Lyanna in her bed of blood.

The Pardon of Barristan Selmy by King Robert Baratheon

After the Battle of the Trident, Robert Baratheon, Eddard Stark and others had a decision on their hands. Barristan the Bold, one of the greatest knights in the realm, lay badly wounded after suffering 3 or more wounds during the fighting. Roose Bolton counseled his throat be cut (this is also the very first time Roose’s name ever appears in ASOIAF). However, Robert would do no such thing. As he did with so many others, he flipped a foe into a friend.

Robert, still young and uncorrupted by the throne, was not yet a man willing to murder. He believed that the only place for killing an enemy was on a battlefield, save perhaps an arranged duel or the like. Robert said (according to Ned):

“I will not kill a man for loyalty, nor for fighting well”

It was not necessary for anyone on the side of mercy to argue, since Robert was already set on allowing Barristan Selmy to live. But had he been on the fence, or intent on an execution, any student of Westerosi history could’ve made a great point that may have swayed Robert on a personal level. A particularly glorious deed of Ser Barristan’s looms large here… One very relevant to House Baratheon.

Barristan the Bold is famous for many reasons, but aside from Duskendale, the slaying of Maelys Blackfyre is surely at the top of the list. Why would this matter to Robert? Because Maelys the Monstrous himself slew Robert’s own grandfather, Hand of the King and Lord of Storm’s End, Ormund Baratheon, during the War of the Ninepenny Kings. Robert had not even been born by this point, but surely he heard how his Lord grandfather died. Robert is no student of history, but in a land where blood debts are common currency, this would surely argue strongly for a pardon.

In fact, perhaps this did factor in Robert’s decision to name Ser Barristan the Lord Commander after the war.

History: The Doom of Valyria (mild spoilers)

The Doom annihilated the powerful and sorcerous Freehold of Valyria in mere moments. History of Westeros takes a look at what it was, why it happened, and possibly who caused it. We recorded this episode in 2014! In other words, this episode is very old. This was well before the release of Fire & Blood. This was even before the release of The World of Ice and Fire. Additionally, you can check out our episode on the Faceless Men here, which was made after the release of Fire & Blood. So enjoy this very old episode!

It was written that every hill for five hundred miles split asunder to fill the air with ash and smoke, and fire so hot and hungry that even the dragons in the sky were engulfed and consumed. Great rents opened in the earth, swallowing palaces, temples, and entire towns. Lakes boiled or turned to acid, mountains burst, fiery fountains spewed molten rock a thousand feet into the air, and red clouds rained down dragonglass and the black blood of demons. To the north, the ground splintered and collapsed and fell in on itself, and an angry sea came boiling in. The proudest city in all the world was gone in an instant, the fabled empire vanished in a day.

“Septon Barth speculated on the matter, referring to a Valyrian text that has since been lost, suggesting that the Freehold’s sorcerers foretold that the gold of Casterly Rock would destroy them.”

“At its apex Valyria was the greatest city in the known world, the center of civilization.”

The Doom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFyXGGTMeYQ

One thing that can be said for certain is that it was a cataclysm such as the world had never seen. The ancient, mighty Freehold—home to dragons and to sorcerers of unrivaled skill—was shattered and destroyed within hours.

Fourteen or fourteen thousand. What man dares count them? It is not wise for mortals to look too deeply at those fires, my friend. Those are the fires of god’s own wrath, and no human flame can match them. We are small creatures, men.

Some, wedding the fanciful notion of Valyrian magic to the reality of the ambitious great houses of Valyria, have argued that it was the constant whirl of conflict and deception amongst the great houses that might have led to the assassinations of too many of the reputed mages who renewed and maintained the rituals that banked the fires of the Fourteen Flames.

The Bloodlines of Daenerys Targaryen

World of Ice and Fire spoilers ahead!

Dating back to Aegon the Conqueror, Daenerys Targaryen has ancestors from seven different known houses. There are surely others, but there is limited info on female lines.

In order of most recent ancestor:

– House Targaryen: plenty of this! Both her father Aerys II and grandfather Jaehaerys II married their Targaryen sisters, Rhaella & Shaera. Arguably, Daenerys Targaryen (and her brothers Rhaegar and Viserys) have the purest Blood of the Dragon since Rhaenyra Targaryen.

– House Blackwood: “Black” Betha Blackwood, Queen of Aegon V Targaryen the Unlikely. She is Daenerys Targaryen’s great grandmother, giving her ancient blood of the First Men, a house that has worshipped the Old Gods since the Age of Heroes.

– House Dayne: Dyanna Dayne was Queen to Maekar I Targaryen. She is Daenerys Targaryen’s great-great grandmother. Exciting for House Dayne fans!

– House Martell: Princess Mariah Martell of Dorne married Daeron II the Good Targaryen. She is Daenerys Targaryen’s great-great-great grandmother!

– Rogare (of Lys): the Lysene have a lot of the Blood of the Freehold of Valyria. Larra Rogare was wife of King Viserys II Targaryen. She is Daenerys Targaryen’s great-great-great-great-great grandmother! (whew)

– House Arryn: Queen Aemma Arryn was wife to Viserys I Targaryen, who was the final rider of Balerion the Black Dread. So Daenerys Targaryen has blood from the greatest Andal house, very distantly, through her great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandmother.

– House Velaryon: Queen Alyssa Velaryon was wife to Aenys I. Aegon the Conqueror’s mother Valaena was also from house Velaryon! So Daenerys has a double dose from wayyyy back, the more recent from her great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandmother. That’s ten greats!

 

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