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My Champion Is Fire: The Execution of Brandon and Rickard Stark by Mad King Aerys

March 3, 2025 | By History of Westeros

King Aerys II had Brandon Stark seized and imprisoned on charges of treason, but Lord Rickard declared he would stand for his son in a trial by combat. Yet instead of an honorable duel, the Mad King declared that House Targaryen’s champion… would be fire. We take on the full, horrifying story.


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Episode Details

Episode Summary

This week on History of Westeros, we delve into one of the most brutal and pivotal moments in Westerosi history: the execution of Brandon and Rickard Stark at the hands of the Mad King Aerys II. We explore the events leading up to their arrests, the shocking betrayal of a promised trial by combat, and the horrifying spectacle of fire that sealed their fates. We examine the cultural clash between the proud Northmen and the increasingly erratic Targaryen regime in King’s Landing, analyzing Aerys’s descent into madness and the devastating consequences for House Stark and the Seven Kingdoms. Uncover the chilling details of this infamous event and its lasting impact on the Game of Thrones, available now on Spotify!

Characters

Aerys IIAerys II TargaryenBran StarkBrandon StarkRickard Stark

Houses

House StarkHouse Targaryen

Tags

Aerys IIaerys ii targaryenbran starkbrandon starkCulture: Northmenhouse targaryenking's landingMad Kingrickard starkThe CrownlandsTrial By Combat

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