Lord Eddard Stark, Hand of the King. © Fantasy Flight Games
Tyrion Lannister, acting as Hand of the King, wears the necklace of linked hands. © Fantasy Flight Games
© Fantasy Flight Games
The Hand of the King is the chief advisor to the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and is the executor of the king's command in the Seven Kingdoms.
Duties of the Hand include commanding the king's armies, drafting laws, dispensing justice, and generally managing the day-to-day running of the kingdom. The Hand may act on the king's behalf when he is indisposed, and sit the Iron Throne while doing so. The Hand also sits on the small council and will run the council if the king is not present.
The office typically makes the Hand the second-most powerful man in the kingdom next to the king, though some Hands had the reputation of ruling their kings.
It is considered by some to be a difficult and unglamorous job of great responsibility. A popular saying goes, "What the king dreams, the Hand builds," but the lowborn say, "The king eats, and the Hand takes the shit." Many able men have failed in the office throughout history.
The Hand resides in a tower of the Red Keep called the Tower of the Hand.
During Conquest of the Seven Kingdoms by King Aegon I Targaryen, after the first few victories, Aegon proclaimed Orys Baratheon to be
...My shield, my stalwart, my strong right hand.
Because of Aegon's description, Orys is regarded to have been the first Hand of the King.
Upon the death of his Hand, Lord Jon Arryn, King Robert I Baratheon asks Lord Eddard Stark to serve as Lord Arryn's replacement.
As acting Hand, Tyrion Lannister serves in King's Landing until Lord Tywin Lannister arrives during the Battle of the Blackwater.
Lord Mace Tyrell serves as Hand to Renly Baratheon, a rival claimant to the Iron Throne, who is killed at Storm's End.
Following the Battle of the Blackwater, Tywin serves as Hand to Joffrey and, after Joffrey's death, to King Tommen Baratheon,
Lord Alester Florent serves as the Hand to Stannis Baratheon, a rival claimant to the Iron Throne.
After she fails to convince Jaime Lannister to become Hand,
After Merryweather has resigned, Ser Kevan Lannister, as Regent, elevates Mace Tyrell to Hand of the King for King Tommen I.
Meanwhile, Ser Davos Seaworth continues as Hand of the King for Stannis Baratheon,
In Meereen, Ser Barristan Selmy serves as Hand for Queen Daenerys Targaryen in her absence, after King Hizdahr zo Loraq has been removed from power.
Lord Jon Connington serves as the Hand to Prince Aegon Targaryen, despite the latter not having been crowned king yet.
Hand of the King brooch, from *Game of Thrones*.
The Hand of the King was the second-most powerful man in the Seven Kingdoms. He spoke with the king’s voice, commanded the king’s armies, drafted the king’s laws. At times he even sat upon the Iron Throne to dispense king's justice, when the king was absent, or sick, or otherwise indisposed. Robert was offering him a responsibility as large as the realm itself. It was the last thing in the world he wanted.
—thoughts of Eddard Stark
I sat on his council for fifteen years, helping Jon Arryn rule his realm while Robert drank and whored, but when Jon died, did my brother name me his Hand? No, he went galloping off to his dear friend Ned Stark, and offered him the honor. And small good it did either of them.
A weak ruler needs a strong Hand, as Aerys needed Father. A strong ruler requires only a diligent servant to carry out his orders.
The Hand should speak with the king's voice.
—thoughts of Davos Seaworth
Davos: The King's Hand should be a highborn lord, someone wise and learned, a battle commander or a great knight...
Pylos: Ser Ryam Redwyne was the greatest knight of his day, and one of the worst Hands ever to serve a king. Septon Murmison's prayers worked miracles, but as Hand he soon had the whole realm praying for his death. Lord Butterwell was renowned for wit, Myles Smallwood for courage, Ser Otto Hightower for learning, yet they failed as Hands, every one. As for birth, the dragonkings oft chose Hands from amongst their own blood, with results as various as Baelor Breakspear and Maegor the Cruel. Against this, you have Septon Barth, the blacksmith's son the Old King plucked from the Red Keep's library, who gave the realm forty years of peace and plenty. Read your history, Lord Davos, and you will see that your doubts are groundless.—Davos Seaworth and Maester Pylos
The handsome man is a secret servant of the Many-Faced God in the House of Black and White in Braavos and a Faceless Man.
He has a beard of a different color every time he comes to the House of Black and White, and a different nose, but he is never less than comely.
He is one of the three servants of the Many-Faced God who come most often to the House of Black and White.
He comes to the meeting of the eleven priests of the Many-Faced God at the House of Black and White by secret ways, through tunnels and secret passages. After the priest with the face of a plague victim and the Fat Fellow each say, "I know this man', the handsome man says, "I will give this man the gift, I know him not."
Lady Hanna Harroway was one of the daughters of Lucas Harroway, the Lord of Harrenhal, and the sister of Queen Alys Harroway, one of King Maegor I Targaryen's many wives.
When her sister Alys became pregnant in 44 AC, Hanna and her other sister Jeyne assisted Grand Maester Desmond with Alys's care as the queen was confined to her bed. When Alys gave birth to a monstrous stillborn boy three months later, Hanna and Jeyne were the only ones spared from Maegor's wroth. Later, when the Kingsguard arrived at Alys's chambers to arrest her, Hanna and her sister Jeyne were cut down trying to protect Alys.
The Happy Port is a brothel in Braavos, near Ragman's Harbor. It sits across an alley from the Mummer's Ship, and abuts a canal.
In Braavos, Samwell Tarly learns that Dareon had wasted his money on the Sailor's Wife, a prostitute who works at the Happy Port, and plans to marry her. Samwell attacks Dareon after he refuses to come with him, and is thrown out of the establishment into a canal.
Arya Stark, disguised as the Braavos street urchin and fish peddler Cat of the Canals, becomes friends with the women of the Happy Port, and often sells her wares there. She also frequently recommends the whores to newly-arrived sailors. One of the patrons, Roggo, while waiting to see Lanna, teaches Cat how to use a finger knife.
Dareon, after deserting the Night's Watch, stays by the Happy Port and often plays songs to the whores there. One night after Dareon leaves the establishment, Arya follows him and slits his throat to execute him for desertion.
After becoming the blind beggar Beth, Arya avoids the Happy Port and other places where Cat had been well-known.
Har Loi was a God-Emperor of the Golden Empire of Yi Ti and the founding member of his dynasty. His throne was said to be a saddle, for he spent his entire reign at war, riding from one battle to another.
Ser Harbert was a castellan of Storm's End. Already old in 278 AC, he was the great-uncle of Robert, Stannis and Renly Baratheon.*] it is clear that Harbert had died by the time Renly left for King's Landing.
During his time as castellan, Ser Harbert counseled Maester Cressen to kill Patchface because he thought that the fool was suffering due to his deteriorated mental state. Cressen disagreed and won the argument.
Ser Harbert Paege was a knight of House Paege during the reign of Aerys I.
In 211 AC, Harbert was present at the wedding of Lord Ambrose Butterwell to Lady Frey. He participated in the tourney which was being held to celebrate the marriage. During the tourney, he was defeated by Ser Franklyn Frey after five tilts.
Hardhand is an ironborn longship and part of the Iron Fleet, presumably named after King Harwyn Hoare, the Hardhand.
Hardhand is among the ships which sail to Old Wyk for the kingsmoot.
Hardhome is an abandoned free folk settlement that lies north beyond the Wall. It is on the tip of the peninsula Storrold's Point on the Shivering Sea.
Hardhome sits on a sheltered bay and has natural harbour deep enough for the biggest ships afloat. Wood and stone are plentiful near there. The waters teem with fish, and there are colonies of seals and sea cows close at hand. A great cliff looms above the settlement, pocked with cave mouths.
Nowadays there is no shelter there for people but for the caves, dubbed the screaming caves by the men of the Night's Watch.
Hardhome was close to becoming the only true town north of the Wall. Before its destruction, Maester Wyllis journeyed to Hardhome aboard a Pentoshi trader and established himself as a healer and counselor under the protection of Gorm the Wolf, one of the four chieftains who controlled the settlement, so that he may write of the local customs. However, Gorm was murdered and Wyllis, in mortal danger, fled back to Oldtown, where he wrote *Hardhome: An Account of Three Years Spent Beyond-the-Wall among Savages, Raiders, and Woods-witches*.
One night, 600 years ago (about 300 years before Aegon's Landing), Hardhome was destroyed., depending on the tale one chooses believe.
The homes of the inhabitants of Hardhome were said to have burned with flames so high and hot that the watchers on the Wall far to the south thought that the sun was rising in from the north. Afterwards, ashes rained down on the haunted forest and the Shivering Sea alike for almost half a year.
Traders and a ship sent by the Night's Watch to investigate reported only nightmarish devastation where Hardhome had stood, a landscape of charred trees and burned bones, waters choked with swollen corpses and blood-chilling shrieks echoing from the cave mouths that pock the great cliff that looms above the settlement, a cliff where no living man or woman could be found.
After that Hardhome was shunned. The wildlings never settled the site again, and rangers roaming north of the Wall told tales of the overgrown ruins of Hardhome being haunted by ghouls, demons, and burning ghosts with an unhealthy taste for blood.
Mother Mole leads thousands of free folk or wildlings to Hardhome after Mance Rayder's force trying to get south of the Wall is defeated by Stannis Baratheon and the Night's Watch in the battle beneath the Wall. Mother Mole preaches to the free folk that they will find salvation where they once found damnation and she had a vision of ships coming to Hardhome to sail them south.
Melisandre may have seen a vision of Hardhome when she looks into the fire in her chambers at Castle Black:
Snowflakes swirled from a dark sky and ashes rose to meet them, the grey and the white whirling around each other as flaming arrows arced above a wooden wall and dead things shambled silent through the cold, beneath a great grey cliff where fires burned inside a hundred caves. Then the wind rose and the white mist came sweeping in, impossibly cold, and one by one the fires went out. Afterward only the skulls remained.
Lord Commander Jon Snow sends Cotter Pyke with eleven ships from Eastwatch-by-the-Sea to bring the wildlings south from Hardhome. Many ships are wrecked by storms during the voyage. When Cotter arrives at Hardhome with six ships left, the situation has grown very bad. Wildlings are eating their own dead and there are presumably wights in the forest and in the sea. Slavers have already taken some of the wildlings to Braavos, and the wildlings try to take *Storm Crow* by force which costs Cotter six of his crew. Cotter sends a raven to plead for help via land from Jon, since traveling by the sea is far too dangerous.
In Braavos, Arya Stark tells the Kindly Man that she knows why the Sealord seized the *Goodheart* and that the slaves on the ship are wildlings from Hardhome. She tells him that it is an old ruined place, accursed. Arya remembers Old Nan’s tales of Hardhome.
While Selyse Florent and Bowen Marsh advocate letting those at Hardhome die, Jon intends to lead a ranging by land. After Jon receives a letter, Tormund instead receives command of the planned ranging.
Hardhome is an unholy place, it’s said. Cursed.
- Othell Yarwyck to Jon Snow
This article is about the television episode. For the region, see Gift.
"'Hardhome" is the eight episode of the fifth season of the HBO medieval fantasy television series *Game of Thrones*, and the 48th episode of the series. Written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss and directed by Miguel Sapochnik, it aired on May 31, 2015.
Arya makes progress in her training. Sansa confronts an old friend. Cersei struggles. Jon travels.
"Hardhome" was written by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, based on the original series by George R. R. Martin.
The episode is adapted from the following chapters of *A Song of Ice and Fire: Arya II, Cat of the Canals and Cersei X from *A Feast for Crows, and Jon II, Melisandre I, Jon VII, Jon X, Theon I, Cersei I, Jon XII, The Ugly Little Girl, Tyrion XII and Jon XIII from *A Dance with Dragons*.
The following regular cast members appeared in this episode:
Fifteen out of twenty-seven members for the fifth season appeared in this episode. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister), Liam Cunningham (Davos Seaworth), Dean-Charles Chapman (Tommen I Baratheon), Gwendoline Christie (Brienne), Stephen Dillane (Stannis Baratheon), Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell), Jerome Flynn (Bronn), Aidan Gillen (Petyr Baelish), Conleth Hill (Varys), Carice van Houten (Melisandre), Michiel Huisman (Daario Naharis) and Indira Varma (Ellaria Sand) are not credited and do not appear.
The following guest appearances were made in this episode:
Hardhome: An Account of Three Years Spent Beyond-the-Wall among Savages, Raiders, and Woods-witches is an account written by Maester Wyllis about his time at the free folk settlement of Hardhome.
Hardin's Tower is one of the towers of Castle Black. It has a broken battlement, from which stone has spilled into the yard below and a lean.
Jon Snow's cells are located in Hardin's Tower after he joins the Night's Watch.
Hardin's Tower becomes the residence of the wildling women who accept Jon's call. Some of the men of the Night's Watch attempt to take advantage of the women there; although the spearwives turn them away, the men hostilely refer to the building as "Harlot's Tower".
The Hardstone Hills are a series of hills on the island of Great Wyk in the Iron Islands. It is the site of House Goodbrother's keep, Hammerhorn, and a source of ores which are mined by the smallfolk in service to House Goodbrother.
Hareth can refer to:
Hareth, nicknamed Horse by the brothers of the Night's Watch, is a stablehand in Mole's Town.
Hareth is big, blond and has buck teeth.
When wildlings attack Mole's Town and Castle Black, Hareth is one of the Moles who flee to the Wall. There he helps defend Castle Black.[*citation needed*] He declares his interest in joining the Night's Watch.
Horse is trained by Iron Emmett after his appointment as master-at-arms at Castle Black. Jon, the new Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, spies him training in the yard against Hop-Robin, whom he easily defeats. Jon compliments his skill, but advises him that he lowers his shield too far when pressing the attack. Horse thanks the Lord Commander for his advice as he helps Hop-Robin back to his feet.
Horse is one of the men brought along as muscle to assist Jon in enforcing Janos Slynt's orders to garrison Greyguard.
Horse later travels to the weirwood grove just north of the Wall in the haunted forest to say his vows. He is accompanied by five other recruits (Leathers, Jax, Satin, Arron, and Emrick). They are escorted by Jon and ten rangers. Jon, Iron Emmett, and Bowen Marsh weigh each recruit and assign them to an order. Horse is assigned to the builders.
Hareth was a Grand Maester of the Citadel.
Hareth paid with his life for treason.
Harghaz is a Ghiscari animal handler in the fighting pits of Meereen.
During the reopening of the fighting pits after the fight between the pit fighter Barsena Blackhair and a boar in Daznak's Pit, Drogon appears and begins eating the corpses of the gladiator and the boar that killed her. Harghaz
To the Yunkai and Meereenese who oppose the rule of Daenerys, Harghaz becomes a hero and is called *"Harghaz the Hero"* by them or *"Harghaz the Dragonslayer"*, even though he did not slay Drogon but was instead killed by the dragon.
Hizdahr, Humzum, Hagnag, what does it matter? I call them all Harzoo. He was no dragonslayer. All he did was get his arse roasted black and crispy.
- Ser Archibald Yronwood on Harghaz
Half the city is calling the dragonslayer a hero, and the other half spits blood at the mention of his name.
- Ser Gerris Drinkwater on Harghaz
Harl, known as Six-Toed Harl, is one of the crew on Asha Greyjoy's ship, *Black Wind*.
Harl, along with the rest of Asha Greyjoy's, supporters sails to Deepwood Motte with Asha as she contemplates her next move.
Fleeing from Deepwood Motte, on the way back to the ships Asha and her men rest and wait for sunrise. During the respite Hagen's daughter goes off with Harl for an amorous encounter after having first been refused by Tristifer Botley.
Sometime thereafter Harl and Hagen's daughter are interrupted by the northmen who have caught up to the ironmen. A bloody, confusing battle ensues.
Ser Harlan Grandison was a knight from House Grandison. A member of the Kingsguard during the reign of King Aerys II Targaryen.
Ser Harlan was a member of the Kingsguard under Aerys II and presumably his father Jaehaerys II before him, as he was an old man when Aerys reigned. He died in his sleep in his cell in the White Sword Tower of the Red Keep. His slot in the Kingsguard was taken by Ser Jaime Lannister.
Harlan Hoare was a Prince of the Iron Islands from House Hoare. He was the middle son of King Qhorwyn Hoare.
Harlan was the heir of King Qhorwyn the Cunning, as Qhorwyn's eldest son had died of greyscale. When Qhorwyn was dying, Harlan died suddenly, allegedly due to falling from a horse. Some suggested that Harlan's younger brother, Harwyn was actually to blame, while others attributed Harlan's death to a Faceless Man. Harwyn succeeded as King of the Iron Islands six days after Qhorwyn's own death.
Ser Harlan Hunter is a knight from House Hunter and is the youngest son of Lord Eon Hunter.
After Lord Eon Hunter dies suddenly Harlan accuses his eldest brother, Gilwood, of murder.
According to Petyr Baelish it was actually Harlan who murdered his father. Petyr believes that Harlan will kill again, this time Lord Gilwood.
Harlaw
The Iron Islands and the location of Harlaw
Harlaw is one of the isles that make up the Iron Islands. The easternmost of the archipelago, Harlaw is northeast of Pyke, from which it is a day's sail,
Second in size only to Great Wyk, Harlaw is distinguished from the other islands by being both the wealthiest and most densely populated.
Ten Towers on the island of Harlaw, by Trevor Cook © Fantasy Flight Games
Harlaw is the seat of House Harlaw, which reigns supreme on the island as one of the few families to rival the Greyjoys in strength and influence. The Harlaws have five keeps on the isle that gives them their name: Ten Towers, the seat of the senior branch and Lord Rodrik Harlaw; Harridan Hill, ruled by Boremund the Blue; the Tower of Glimmering, the seat of Hotho Humpback; Grey Garden, presided over by Ser Harras Harlaw; and ancient Harlaw Hall, which belongs to Sigfryd Silverhair. Harlaw Hall was the seat of the family before the construction of Ten Towers.
The bannermen of Lord Rodrik on the isle include the Kennings, the Myres, the Stonetrees, and the Volmarks of Volmark.
There were once extensive forests on Harlaw, but they were exhausted by the ironborn of old for use in shipbuilding.
Qhorin Volmark of Harlaw tried to succeed Harren the Black after the burning of Harrenhal, but he was cut down by King Aegon I Targaryen.
Victarion Greyjoy brought Alannys Harlaw from Harlaw for her wedding to his brother, Balon.
Harlaw was conquered by King Robert I Baratheon's supporters during Greyjoy's Rebellion.
Archmaester Hake came from the island.
Support of Harlaw by Igor Kieryluk © Fantasy Flight Games
The Old Grey Gull informs the island of Aeron Greyjoy's calling for a kingsmoot at Old Wyk.
Asha Greyjoy visits her uncle, Lord Rodrik Harlaw, at Ten Towers prior to the kingsmoot. Rodrik mentions that Lord Baelor Blacktyde briefly visited Harlaw before continuing to Old Wyk.
After Euron Greyjoy was crowned King of the Isles and the North at the kingsmoot, Asha fled Old Wyk for Deepwood Motte, bidding farewell to her mother Alannys Harlaw at Ten Towers during her flight. While at Ten Towers she received word that Euron had married her by proxy to Erik Ironmaker.
Harlaw Hall is the ancient seat of House Harlaw on the island of Harlaw. Currently the seat of House Harlaw of Harlaw Hall, its master is Sigfryd Harlaw.
Lord Theomore Harlaw lost three sons to the damp stones and constant flooding of the old Harlaw Hall. He raised the Ten Towers as his new seat and left Harlaw Hall.
Harle the Handsome is a leader of the free folk. According to Tormund, he and his brother Harle the Huntsman, who both had a son with the same woman, hate each other.
Harle is among the wildling leaders who accompany Tormund to the Wall and declare a truce with the Night's Watch. As agreed upon in the truce, his son and his nephew become hostages of the Night's Watch.
Harle the Huntsman is a leader of the free folk. According to Tormund, he and his brother Harle the Handsome, who both had a son with the same woman, hate each other.
Harle is among the wildling leaders who accompany Tormund to the Wall and declare a truce with the Night's Watch. He presents Jon Snow with a bear-claw necklace as payment for crossing the Wall. As agreed upon in the truce, his son and his nephew become hostages of the Night's Watch.
Harlen Tyrell,.
Harlen Tyrell served as the steward to Mern IX Gardener, King of the Reach, at the time of Aegon's Conquest. After King Mern IX died at the Field of Fire, King Aegon I Targaryen marched on Highgarden, where Harlen yielded up the castle without a fight, pledging his support to Aegon. For this, Aegon named him Lord of Highgarden and gave him dominion over the Reach as Lord Paramount of the Mander and Warden of the South,
Harlen's elevation to Lord of Highgarden caused a number of his bannermen to voice their resentment, who bitterly compained about having to serve an "upjumped steward". However, their complaints were of no avail. Maester Yandel speculates that Harlen Tyrell had been chosen as the new Lord of Highgarden by Aegon I because they had not taken up arms against the Targaryens, whereas the Oakhearts, the Florents, the Rowans, the Peakes, and the Redwynes had marched beside King Mern IX.
Harlen served the Targaryens loyally and proved able in his lordship of the Reach. He marched south in 4 AC beside the Targaryens in the First Dornish War, and fought with King Aegon I against the Dornish mountain lords in the Prince's Pass. He next marched his army to Hellholt, but lost many of thurst and exposure to the sun on the way.
Harlon Botley is the fourth son of Lord Sawane Botley.
After the death of Harlon's father, Lord Sawane Botley, Harlon and his siblings are dispossessed by Euron Greyjoy, while his father's title and lands are given to his uncle, Germund Botley.
Harlon Greyjoy was the first son of Lord Quellon Greyjoy. His mother was a member of House Stonetree.
Harlon died from greyscale as a child.
Aeron Greyjoy recalls all eight of his brothers, including Harlon, after the death of Balon Greyjoy, King of the Isles and the North.
When Aeron is held captive by his brother, King Euron Crow's Eye, in the hold of *Silence*, Euron confesses to Aeron that he killed Harlon by pinching his nose shut. Greyscale had turned Harlon's mouth to stone, preventing him from calling for help or breathing through his mouth.
Harlon Stark was a King in the North, Lord of Winterfell, and head of House Stark.
Hundreds of years ago, House Bolton rose up against the Starks. Harlon laid siege to the Dreadfort for two years to starve them out.
Harlon the Hunter is a legendary son of Garth Greenhand and ancestor of House Tarly. He and his twin brother Herndon of the Horn built their castle atop Horn Hill and took to wife the beautiful woods witch who dwelled there, sharing her favors for a hundred years. The brothers did not age so long as they had intercourse with her whenever the moon was full.
Harma, known as Harma the Dogshead, is a captain in Mance Rayder's army, commanding the vanguard. She has a brother, Halleck.
See also: Images of Harma
Harma has big cheeks. She is squat and round. She hates dogs. She kills a dog every fortnight to create a new totem for her banner.
Before Mance Rayder made peace between them, Harma once warred with Rattleshirt.
Harma faces off against Rattleshirt.
art by Jon Neimeister
Harma is among the leaders of Mance Rayder's army that the Night's Watch are wary of.
Harma leads the van of the free folk army that marches south down the Milkwater.
Harmen Uller is the Lord of Hellholt and head of House Uller. He is the father of Ellaria Sand, the paramour of Prince Oberyn Martell. This makes him the grandfather of the four youngest Sand Snakes: Elia, Obella, Dorea and Loreza. He has a younger brother, Ser Ulwyck Uller.
Harmen and his brother Ulwyck are among nobles who accompany Prince Oberyn Martell to King's Landing for the wedding of King Joffrey I Baratheon to Lady Margaery Tyrell.
Princess Arianne Martell intends to crown Princess Myrcella Baratheon as the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms at Harmen's castle, Hellholt, but her plan fails when her group is intercepted by her father's guards.
Harmen, his brother Ulwyck, and his bastard daughter Ellaria Sand are present at the feast held at Sunspear for the arrival of Ser Balon Swann with the skull of Ser Gregor Clegane. Both Harmen and his brother refuse to drink when Ricasso raises a toast to King Tommen I Baratheon.
Harmon is the author of *On Miasmas*, describing the effects of poluted waters in Asshai.
Harmon Dondarrion was Lord of Blackhaven and head of House Dondarrion during the reign of King Aenys I Targaryen.
Lord Harmon was mutilated, his nose cut off, when the army of the Vulture King sacked Blackhaven. He was later part of the "Vulture Hunt" that captured and killed the Vulture King.
This Vulture King is half-mad, and his followers are a rabble, undisciplined and unwashed. We can smell them coming fifty leagues away.
--Harmon Dondarrion, in a letter to Aenys Targaryen
Lord Harmond Umber, known as the Drunken Giant, was a Lord of the Last Hearth and head of House Umber.
When King-Beyond-the-Wall Raymun Redbeard and the his free folk army went over the Wall and marched south, Lord Harmond joined with Lord Willam Stark with the intent to meet them. Harmond and Lord William Stark caught the wildling army between them and Long Lake, defeating the host in battle.
Harmund III Hoare, known as Harmund the Handsome, was a King of the Iron Islands from House Hoare. The Hoare kings of his era were opposed by the priests of the Drowned God because of their support for the Faith of the Seven, discouraging of reaving, and promotion of trade.
Harmund III was raised in the Faith of the Seven by his parents, King Harmund the Haggler and Queen Lelia Lannister. He outraged the ironborn and the priests of the Drowned God by outlawing reaving and the taking of salt wives. He was also opposed to thralls. A priest known as the Shrike led a rapid rebellion, and Harmund was cast down and mutilated, losing his eyes, tongue, and nose.[*citation needed*]
Harmund's brother, Hagon Hoare, took the throne and restored traditional ironborn practices. Harmund was confined to the dungeons of Hoare Castle and their mother, Lelia, was mutilated and returned to Casterly Rock, which led to war with House Lannister. When the westermen conquered Great Wyk in the seventh year of fighting, Ser Aubrey Crakehall considered restoring Harmund to the throne but instead decided to give the broken man the gift of mercy.
Harmund II Hoare, known as Harmund the Haggler, was a King of the Iron Islands from House Hoare. The Hoare kings of his era were opposed by the priests of the Drowned God because of their support for the Faith of the Seven, discouraging of reaving, and promotion of trade.
Harmund spent his youth as a ward of House Lannister of Casterly Rock. A great traveler, Harmund II is said to have been the first iron king to visit mainland Westeros in peace. Once king, he married Lady Lelia Lannister, the daughter of the King of the Rock. He also visited Highgarden and Oldtown to discuss trade.
Harmund followed both the Drowned God and the Faith of the Seven. He spoke of the "Eight Gods" and believed that the Drowned God was an aspect of the Stranger, which angered many of the ironborn. His children were raised in the Faith.
Harmund I Hoare, known as Harmund the Host, was a King of the Iron Islands from House Hoare. The Hoare kings of his era were opposed by the priests of the Drowned God because of their support for the Faith of the Seven, discouraging of reaving, and promotion of trade.
Harmund I was the first literate iron king and a man fond of books. From his seat on Great Wyk he welcomed travelers and merchants to the Iron Islands. He also protected septons and septas of the Faith.
Harmund Sharp is a member of House Sharp. He has many sons.
Harmund is present at the kingsmoot, where he is called out by Asha Greyjoy, who tells him that the death of his son Harrag at Winterfell had only served to gain the ironborn turnips. She asks him whether he values the lives of his other sons the same as turnips as well, and insists that if he values them more, he should support her in her quest for peace.
For the scribe, see Harmune (archmaester).
Harmune is the maester in service to the Night's Watch at Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. He writes and reads all the correspondence for Cotter Pyke, the commander of Eastwatch.
Harmune accompanies Cotter Pyke to Hardhome.
Harmune was an archmaester at the Citadel. He wrote *Watchers on the Wall*, which recounts many legends of the Nightfort.
He also wrote *Etched in Stone*, a catalog of Andal stone carvings found throughout the Vale. He theorizes that, over time, Andals became more devoted to the symbol of the seven-pointed star and the symbol of the axe fell by the wayside. However, Maester Evlyn argues that what Harmune calls axes were in fact hammers, the sign of the Smith, explaining the irregularity of the depictions of these hammers as the results of the Andals being warriors, not artisans.
Haro was a Dothraki *khal* who lived during the Century of Blood. He was one of the four khals that fought in the Field of Crows.
Khal Haro joined forces with Khals Qano, Loso, and Zhako to fight against High King Mazor Alexi, who had united all of the Sarnori lesser kings to defend their homeland against the Dothraki hordes. The battle took place halfway between Sarnath and the ruins of Kasath. The Sarnori chariots smashed the center of the Dothraki horde. Haro was trampled and died, while his Dothraki fled. However, the escape was a trap and Alexi and his forces were attacked on all sides and destroyed.
Prince Rhaegar Targaryen playing his silver-stringed high harp - by Felicia Cano. © Fantasy Flight Games
A harp is a multi-string musical instrument. It is popular in Westeros amongst all of society, and is often used to accompany a song. The high harp is mentioned as making soft sweet sounds.
In order to plant the notion of Ser Loras Tyrell taking the white Littlefinger slips a few silvers to Lord Tyrell's army of singers to sing of Ryam Redwyne, Serwyn of the Mirror Shield, and Prince Aemon the Dragonknight. He tells Sansa Stark that a harp can be as dangerous as a sword in the right hands.
Prince Rhaegar Targaryen appears in one of Daenerys Targaryen's visions in the House of the Undying. At the end of the vision he goes to the window seat, picks up a harp, and runs his fingers lightly over its silver strings. Sweet sadness fills the room as the vision fades, and only the music lingers behind.
When Leonette Fossoway comes to King's Landing she teaches the high harp to Sansa Stark.
Tom of Sevenstreams tells his companions that Lady Lysa Arryn once sent him up the high road, where the Moon Brothers took his gold, horse, and clothes. He walked up to the Gates of the Moon with nothing but his harp. There the guards made him sing two songs before letting him pass.
Music soothes Lord Robert Arryn, the high harp especially.
A minstrel at Riverrun playing a harp - by Felicia Cano. © Fantasy Flight Games
When you heard him play his high harp with the silver strings and sing of twilights and tears and the death of kings, you could not but feel that he was singing of himself and those he loved.
- Barristan Selmy to Daenerys Targaryen regarding Rhaegar Targaryen
Many a night she had watched Prince Rhaegar in the hall, playing his silver-stringed harp with those long, elegant fingers of his. Had any man ever been so beautiful?
- thoughts of Cersei Lannister
Lord Petyr has been kind enough to let me keep my harp. My harp ... and my tongue ... so I may sing my songs.
- Marillion to Nestor Royce, after being tortured
At the welcoming feast, the prince had taken up his silver-stringed harp and played for them. A song of love and doom, Jon Connington recalled, and every woman in the hall was weeping when he put down the harp.
- thoughts of Jon Connington
A harp can be as dangerous as a sword, in the right hands.
- Petyr Baelish to Sansa Stark
For the supposed leader of the Sons of the Harpy, see Harpy.
Harpy in the Plaza of Pride in Astapor by Juan Carlos Barquet © Fantasy Flight Games
The harpy of Astapor in *Game of Thrones*
Ghis emblem
Harpies are legendary female monsters.
See also: Images of the Harpy
The harpy is said to have a woman's torso, the wings of a bat instead of arms, the legs of an eagle, and a scorpion's curled and venomous tail.
The harpy symbol still endures in Slaver's Bay, and many plazas and gates in the Slaver Cities are dominated by huge harpy statues of bronze or clay.
After the siege of Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen has the harpy torn down from atop the Great Pyramid.
The so-called Sons of the Harpy oppose Daenerys's rule in Meereen and use the symbol of the harpy as their calling card.
During one of Daenerys's audiences in the Great Pyramid, a sculptor proposes to replace the head of the great bronze harpy in the Plaza of Purification with one cast in Daenerys's image. The queen denies him with as much courtesy as she can muster.
One of the six sisters, the trebuchets of Yunkai used at the second siege of Meereen, is called the Harpy's Daughter.
Old Ghis ruled an empire when the Valyrians were still fucking sheep, and we are the sons of the harpy.
– Kraznys mo Nakloz to Missandei
The harpy is a craven thing. She has a woman's heart and a chicken's legs. Small wonder her sons hide behind their walls.
- Daario Naharis to Daenerys Targaryen
Qyburn: The slave revolt in Astapor has spread to Meereen, it would seem. Sailors off a dozen ships speak of dragons ...
Cersei: Harpies. It is harpies in Meereen.
- Qyburn and Cersei Lannister
For the creature, see harpies.
The Harpy is the conjectured leader of the Sons of the Harpy.
Skahaz mo Kandaq expresses his belief to a skeptical Daenerys Targaryen that the Sons of the Harpy are being led by a secret overlord, a noble general he calls the Harpy.
When Hizdahr zo Loraq is able to halt the murders committed by the Sons of the Harpy for twenty-six days in a row, Skahaz tells Daenerys that Hizdahr might be the Harpy, and that if he is not, he is aware of the Harpy's identity. He asks permission to "put Hizdahr to the question", but Daenerys refuses the notion, insisting no harm may come to Hizdahr.
After Daenerys disappeared from Meereen upon Drogon, Skahaz has a secret meeting with Ser Barristan Selmy. He lists the Harpy, Reznak mo Reznak, and Hizdahr among the friends of the Wise Masters of Yunkai.
The Harpy wants Hizdahr free, so he has sent his sons back into the streets with knives in hand.
Meereen would always be the Harpy's city, and Daenerys could not be a harpy.
—thoughts of Daenerys Targaryen
Daenerys Targaryen raises the harpy's fingers above her © FFG
Daenerys Targaryen holding the harpy's fingers © FFG
The harpy's fingers is the name of a whip used to scourge slaves in Astapor. The handle is made of black dragonbone elaborately carved and inlaid with gold. Nine long leather lashes trail from it, each tipped by a gilded claw. The gold pommel is a woman's head with pointed ivory teeth. The whip is given to new masters of Unsullied as a mark of payment.
In Astapor, as Daenerys Targaryen purchases her Unsullied, she gives the Good Masters her dragon Drogon in payment. When Daenerys hands the end of Drogon's chain to Kraznys mo Nakloz, she is presented with the harpy's fingers in return.
Daenerys mounts her silver and raises the harpy's fingers above her head for all Unsullied to see, proclaiming that they are hers. She then rides up to the slavers and sweeps the harpy's fingers down as hard as she can across Kraznys's face, tearing his features half to pieces. When her dragon takes to the air, the Sack of Astapor begins.
Dany turned the whip in her hand. Such a light thing, to bear such weight.
- Daenerys Targaryen's thoughts on the whip.
Harpy's gold is a plant found on the road between Yunkai and Meereen in Slaver's Bay on the continent of Essos..
The Harpy is the alleged leader of the Sons of the Harpy, a resistance group of Ghiscari noblemen from the city of Meereen who defy the reign of Queen Daenerys Targaryen. According to Skahaz mo Kandaq, the Sons of the Harpy are being led by someone known as "the Harpy".
Under the assumption that the Harpy indeed exists, both characters in the books and readers of *A Song of Ice and Fire* have speculated about the Harpy's identity. Although some readers suspect that the Sons of the Harpy are being led by a collaboration of multiple characters, most readers agree that a single character is the leader.
Hizdahr zo Loraq is believed to be the Harpy by Skahaz mo Kandaq.
The following pieces of information can be seen as evidence:
The following pieces of information can be seen as counter-arguments:
Skahaz mo Kandaq is the frontmost of the "shavepates", Meereenese nobles who have shaven off their traditional Ghiscari hairstyles, an act which represents leaving the old Meereen behind and accepting the new Meereen under Daenerys's rule.
The following pieces of information can be seen as evidence:
The following pieces of information can be seen as counter-arguments:
Grazdan zo Galare is a Meereenese nobleman, and the cousin of Meereen’s Green Grace, Galazza Galare.
The following pieces of information can be seen as evidence:
The following pieces of information can be seen as counter-arguments:
The possibility of Galazza Galare, the Green Grace of Meereen, being the Harpy has gained wide-spread attention among the fandom.
The following pieces of information can be seen as evidence:
The following pieces of information can be seen as counter-arguments:
Reznak mo Reznak is quick to become one of Daenerys's counselors after she occupies Meereen, and had frequently been suggested as the Harpy.
The following pieces of information can be seen as evidence:
The following pieces of information can be seen as counter-arguments:
Goodwife Harra is a servant in service to House Whent. She is an old, fierce woman.
After Lord Tywin Lannister takes over Harrenhal, Harra continues in service the Lannisters.
Harrag Hoare was a King of the Iron Islands from House Hoare. Ravos the Raper was his son.
According to Aeron Greyjoy, Harrag was chosen by a kingsmoot.
Harrag Sharp, better known as Harrag Sheepstealer, is an ironborn raider from House Sharp.
Harrag is among the ironborn who raid the Stony Shore. He is a part of Theon Greyjoy's force that captures Winterfell. He remains with Theon after the northmen come to retake the castle.
Harrald Halfdrowned was an ironborn king, although it is unknown if he was a high king chosen by kingsmoot or a hereditary King of the Iron Islands. Harrald and his heir were beheaded by Lancel IV Lannister, King of the Rock, with a single stroke of Brightroar, the Valyrian steel greatsword of House Lannister, during the Battle of Lann's Point.
Ser Harras Harlaw, known as the Knight of Grey Garden, is the head of House Harlaw of Grey Garden and is the master of Grey Garden. A knight, he is the heir of House Harlaw of Ten Towers; its current lord, Rodrik Harlaw, has no surviving children.
Harras is tall with a long face and is austere. He bears a Valyrian steel sword, Nightfall.
Harras's personal sigil is quartered: a silver scythe on black, a peacock on cream.
In his youth Harras was a good friend of Rodrik Greyjoy. Victarion Greyjoy enjoyed thrashing him when they were younger.
The banner of Ser Harras is spotted by Asha Greyjoy at Ten Towers.
Harras is spotted by Aeron Greyjoy at the kingsmoot on Old Wyk. He is one of Asha's champions at the kingsmoot.
Hotho Harlaw reports to Victarion Greyjoy that during the Battle of the Shield Islands, Harras planted his standard beneath Grimston, the Grimm castle on Greyshield, and fought and defeated seven men, slaying five in the process. The septon in the castle believed the gods had spoken and surrendered the castle to Harras. He is then named the new Lord of Greyshield by Euron Greyjoy, King of the Isles and the North. Hotho believes that this makes himself the new heir to Ten Towers.
Harras Hoare, known as Harras Stump-hand, was a King of the Iron Islands from House Hoare.
During the Andal invasion of the Iron Islands, the Hoares joined other ironborn houses and Andals in bringing down King Rognar II Greyiron. According to legend, they performed the finger dance afterward to choose a new king. Harras was chosen king, although he lost two fingers in the process and became known as Harras Stump-hand. Archmaester Haereg instead suggested that Harras came to power by marring the daughter of an Andal warlord. Harras ruled for thirty years.
Harren is a male name in Westeros, especially common among the ironborn. It may refer to:
Harren Botley is the eldest son of Lord Sawane Botley and is the heir of House Botley. He has a younger brother, Tristifer.
Harren's younger brother Tristifer informs Asha Greyjoy that Harren had been slain during the War of the Five Kings during the siege of Moat Cailin, after he was hit by one of the crannogmen's poisoned arrows.
For the Iron King, see Harren Hoare
Harren Half-Hoare is an ironborn raider.
Harren adds his strength to Euron Greyjoy when Euron declares himself king.
Harren Hoare, known as Harren the Black or Black Harren, was last of the Kings of the Isles and the Rivers to rule over the Iron Islands and the riverlands, and the last member of House Hoare to rule. He completed the grand castle, Harrenhal, which would serve to be his doom.
At the time of Aegon's Conquest, Harren was an old, grey man who wore black armor. His cruelty was famous throughout the Seven Kingdoms.
Harren was born to House Hoare, the ruling house of the Iron Islands. He was the grandson of King Harwyn Hardhand, who extended the ironborn rule over the riverlands from the Neck to the Blackwater Rush, and the son of King Halleck Hoare. Harren's brother rose to become Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.
During his reign, Harren was a vain, bloody tyrant hated by those he ruled. While Halleck ruled from a modest tower house at Fairmarket,
Harren had finally completed his grand castle of Harrenhal, when Aegon Targaryen, Lord of Dragonstone, landed in Westeros. Aegon was victorious over Harren's men in the Battle of the Reeds, but two of Harren's sons were victorious at the Wailing Willows. While they were returning to Harrenhal across the Gods Eye, however, the sons were killed by Aegon's dragon, Balerion., revolted against Harren to support the Targaryen invader and joined the conqueror's host.
Harren took refuge in the well-stocked Harrenhal, the largest castle of Westeros, and the king rejected Aegon's offer of retaining Harrenhal in return for becoming Aegon's vassal. Balerion, who was not obstructed by the towering walls of Harrenhal, roasted Harren and his surviving sons in the tallest tower of the castle,
The death of Harren and his sons left a power vacuum in the riverlands and the Iron Islands. Aegon the Conqueror granted rule of the riverlands to Edmyn Tully, the new Lord Paramount of the Trident.
Aegon: Yield now and you may remain as Lord of the Iron Islands. Yield now, and your sons will live to rule after you. I have eight thousand men outside your walls.
Harren: What is outside my walls is of no concern to me. Those walls are strong and thick.
Aegon: But not so high as to keep out dragons. Dragons fly.
Harren: I built in stone. Stone does not burn.Aegon: When the sun sets, your line shall end.
- Aegon the Conqueror and Harren
No king in Westeros was more feared than Black Harren, whose cruelty had become legendary all through the Seven Kingdoms.
- writings of Maester Yandel
Harren, known as Harren the Red and Red Harren, was an outlaw and bandit of the riverlands. He claimed to be a grandson of the late King Harren Hoare, who had been known as Harren the Black.
During the first year of the reign of King Aenys I Targaryen, Harren the Red was the first of four rebels who rose against the Iron Throne.
King Aenys I was present at Riverrun when he learned about Red Harren. Lord Tully urged him to mount his dragon Quicksilver and burn out the rebels at Harrenhal, but Aenys refused. Instead, he commanded Tully to raise his banners and marched to Harrenhal with a thousand men. However, aware of the slow advance of the royal army, Harren and his outlaws had put all the loyal castle servants to the sword and fled into the woods.
Continuing on to King's Landing, Aenys ordered Lord Alyn Stokeworth, Hand of the King, to take a fleet north to the Vale and deal with a second rebel. Aenys prevaricated, however, and at the last moment recalled the order, fearing that Harren the Red might attack King's Landing. After this waste of time, he instead dispatched Stokeworth into the riverlands with several hundred men to hunt down Harren the Red.
Stokeworth succeeded, cornering Harren in a village west of the Gods Eye. In the battle that followed, Harren killed Stokeworth Alyn, but was killed in turn by Stokeworth's squire, Bernarr Brune. The grateful King Aenys subsequently knighted Brune, and rule over Harrenhal was granted to House Harroway. Harren's was the first of the four local rebellions that broke out against Aenys, but also the last one dealt with.
Harrenhal
The riverlands and the location of Harrenhal
Harrenhal, the largest castle in the Seven Kingdoms, is the seat of House Whent in the riverlands, on the north shore of the Gods Eye lake. Since its burning by dragonfire in Aegon's Conquest, however, it has become a dark and ruinous place.
The castle's holdings are some of the richest in Westeros, claiming vast tracts of green fertile land
See also: Images of Harrenhal
According to a semi-canon source, Harrenhal is immensely strong.
Harrenhal covers three times as much ground as Winterfell and its buildings are so much larger that they can scarcely be compared. Its stables can house a thousand horses, its godswood covers twenty acres, and its kitchens are as large as Winterfell's Great Hall.
However, much of Harrenhal has far gone into decay. The Whents use only the lower thirds of two of the five towers, letting the rest go to ruin, and many places in the castle have not been entered in decades. Bats infest the tops of some of the towers.
Harrenhal, by Marc Simonetti ©
Harrenhal in *Game of Thrones*
Harrenhal is built on a gigantic scale; its colossal curtain walls are sheer and high as mountain cliffs while atop the battlements the wood-and-iron scorpions seem as small as their namesakes when seen from the ground. Harrenhal's gatehouse is as large as Winterfell's Great Keep, and its stone is discolored and fissured. From outside the gatehouse, only the tops of five immense towers can be seen because the height of the walls obscure the view of them.
Of the castle's five towers, the shortest is half again as high as the tallest one in Winterfell, yet none of the towers are proper, being bent, lumped, and cracked from the melting of the stone during the burning of Harrenhal by the Targaryen dragons three centuries earlier. Their original names were lost with the death of Harren the Black.
The Five Towers:
Known Gates:
The Hall of the Hundred Hearths is the castle's great hall. It has only thirty-four or thirty-five hearths, but is said to be able to entertain an army. Its floors are smooth slate and there are steps to two galleries above.
The kitchens are located in a round stone building with a domed roof containing nothing but kitchens. The kitchens are as large as Winterfell's Great Hall.
The Barracks Hall above the armory is where the men-at-arms take their meals.
The armory is located below the Barracks Hall and contains the forge.
The godswood is walled over twenty acres. It has a small stream running through it. The weirwood heart tree appears to have a terrible visage full of hatred, with a twisted mouth and flaring eyes. It is located across the ward from where the Barracks Hall and the armory are. The heart tree has thirteen deep marks carved into it dating to 130 AC when Daemon Targaryen battled Aemond Targaryen in the Dance of the Dragons. These marks still bleed every spring.
Flowstone Yard is where men-at-arms exercise and drill and squires clean arms and armor. It has a lumpy surface and is located near the Wailing Tower. There is a covered gallery above the Flowstone Yard with arches looking towards it.
The bear pit is ten yards across and five yards across, walled in stone, floored with sand, and encircled by six tiers of marble benches. It is located in the middle ward.
The bathhouse is a low-ceilinged room filled with great stone tubs large enough to hold six or seven after the fashion of the Free Cities.
The burning of Harrenhal, by Marc Simonetti
Harrenhal, by Cris Urdiales ©
The seat of Halleck Hoare, King of the Isles and the Rivers, was a modest tower house at Fairmarket on the Blue Fork.
The construction of Harren's dream took forty years. Thousands of captives died in the quarries chained to sledges or laboring on the five huge towers. Men froze by winter and sweltered in summer. Weirwoods that had stood three thousand years were cut down to provide rafters and beams. Harren beggared the riverlands and the Iron Islands alike to ornament his dream.
Upon its completion, Harren boasted that his new fortress was impregnable. However, he did not account for Aegon the Conqueror and his dragons invading Westeros. On the day Harren took up residence, Aegon came ashore at what would become King's Landing. The dragons were not obstructed by high walls and forbidding towers and roasted Harren alive in the tallest of the towers, now known as Kingspyre. Harren and all his line perished in the burning of Harrenhal. Due to the extreme heat of dragonflame, the castle took on a charred, melted appearance.
Since Aegon's Conquest, the castle has become a white elephant. It is too big to garrison effectively and too expensive to maintain.
King Aegon I Targaryen granted Harrenhal to Quenton Qoherys, although Lord Edmyn Tully of Riverrun was named Lord Paramount of the Trident.
Lord Lucas Harroway succeeded Gargon as Lord of Harrenhal, and House Harroway helped to defeat Prince Aegon Targaryen in the Battle Beneath the Gods Eye. The Harroways were extinguished by King Maegor I Targaryen in 44 AC, however.
Ser Walton Towers was named the new Lord of Harrenhal after winning a melee announced by Maegor, though he died of his wounds within two weeks of the event. His son received Harrenhal, though not all of the lands formerly belonging to House Harroway, as Lord Harroway's Town was granted to House Butterwell and the rest of the Harroway holdings to House Darry.
Caraxes and Vhagar leap into the sky as the Battle Above the Gods Eye begins. In supplemental Blu-ray content from *Game of Thrones* Season 5.
Harrenhal was granted to Lyonel Strong while Jaehaerys I Targaryen sat the Iron Throne.
Lord Lyonel and his heir Harwin died in a fire at Harrenhal in 120 AC. It was blamed on the curse of Harrenhal, although non-mystical suspects included Prince Daemon Targaryen, Lord Corlys Velaryon, Lyonel's younger son Larys Strong, and even King Viserys I.
Early in the Dance of the Dragons, Ser Simon Strong surrendered the castle to Prince Daemon Targaryen during his assault on Harrenhal. Daemon used it as a base for the blacks to launch attacks in the nearby area. Prince Aemond Targaryen and Ser Criston Cole led an army of greens to retake the great castle, but found it abandoned by the blacks when they arrived. After the Battle by the Lakeshore, Criston led his soldiers south along the Gods Eye. Aemond rode Vhagar and ravaged the riverlands, including burning all wooden structures in Harrenhal. Daemon and Aemond later fought in the Battle Above the Gods Eye, a duel which killed both princes and their dragons, Caraxes and Vhagar, although Daemon's body was never found.
King Aegon III Targaryen gave the ruined castle to Ser Lucas Lothston in 151 AC.
House Whent, originally knights sworn to Harrenhal, became lords of the castle for their part in defeating the Lothstons.
Lord Walter Whent hosted a great tourney at Harrenhal in 281 AC. The famous tournament resulted in the crowning of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen as its champion, and is also noted for the participation of the mysterious Knight of the Laughing Tree.
Arya Stark in Harrenhal, by Marc Simonetti © FFG
During the early stages of the War of the Five Kings, Lady Shella Whent yields Harrenhal to Lord Tywin Lannister, who holds it with his own troops.
Tywin's son Tyrion Lannister, acting as Hand in King's Landing as Tywin is still in the field, revokes Janos Slynt's title of Lord of Harrenhal and sends him to the Wall.
The Mountain's men capture Arya Stark, Gendry, and Hot Pie and bring the youths to Harrenhal.
Tywin departs Harrenhal, leaving Amory as castellan.
A new group of northern prisoners, including Robett Glover, are brought to Harrenhal by the Brave Companions. The incognito Arya, who has been serving at the castle, convinces Jaqen H'ghar to help her free the prisoners and revolt against Amory's Lannisters. At the same time, the Brave Companions butcher the Lannister bannermen and all who are loyal to them, then hand the castle to Lord Bolton. Amory is killed within the bear pit for entertainment after the fall of Harrenhal.
Following the Battle of the Blackwater, King Joffrey I Baratheon awards Harrenhal to Lord Petyr Baelish for his role in securing an alliance between the Lannisters and Tyrells through the engagement of Joffrey and Margaery Tyrell. Petyr is also named Lord Paramount of the Trident, replacing Hoster Tully of Riverrun; Hoster is a supporter of Robb Stark, the King in the North.
Harrenhal remains occupied by Roose Bolton's northmen and Ser Aenys Frey's rivermen. Roose punishes and executes some of the castle's servants for having served House Lannister.
Vargo had changed his allegiance from House Lannister to House Stark in order to receive Harrenhal from Roose Bolton. After Ser Jaime Lannister escapes Riverrun, Vargo, fearing the vengeance of Jaime's father Tywin, desires to wed Lord Rickard Karstark's daughter, Alys, and claim the safer and more distant Karhold.
The Bloody Mummers bring Jaime and Brienne of Tarth to Harrenhal,
Following Robb's death in the Red Wedding, Tywin Lannister, the Hand of the King for Joffrey I Baratheon, intends to be lenient toward any opponent who surrenders, with the exception from Vargo at Harrenhal.
Though he has never set foot within Harrenhal's walls, Petyr Baelish remains its lord. The castle's large dominion elevates Petyr's social position enough to marry Lysa Arryn, the widowed-Lady Regent of the Vale of Arryn.
It is reported that Harrenhal's former lady, Shella Whent, has died,
Sent to bring peace to the riverlands, Jaime Lannister returns to Harrenhal and learns it is leaderless. Gregor had appointed Polliver as its castellan, but Polliver was killed by Sandor Clegane at the inn at the crossroads.
Harrenhal is said to be cursed, as many Houses and individuals who have held the castle have eventually come to bad ends.
And King Harren learned that thick walls and high towers are small use against dragons. For dragons fly.
—Old Nan to Catelyn Stark's children
Tyrion: You're a bold man to take Harrenhal for your seat. Such a grim place, and huge ... costly to maintain. And some say cursed as well.
Janos: Should I fear a pile of stone?
That is an ill place. Cursed, they say. Not that I am the sort to swallow such tales, but still, there it is.
Sansa: The castle is yours.
Petyr: Ah, and what a castle it is. Cavernous halls and ruined towers, ghosts and draughts, ruinous to heat, impossible to garrison ... and there’s that small matter of a curse.—Sansa Stark and Petyr Baelish
Harrenhal had witnessed more horror in its three hundred years than Casterly Rock had witnessed in three thousand.
—thoughts of Jaime Lannister
Lothstons, Strongs, Harroways... Harrenhal has withered every hand to touch it.
Jaime: This castle has an ill repute, and one that's well deserved. It's said that Harren and his sons still walk the halls by night, afire. Those who look upon them burst into flame.
Bonifer: I fear no shade, ser. It is written in *The Seven-Pointed Star* that spirits, wights, and revenants cannot harm a pious man, so long as he is armored in his faith.
Jaime: Then armor yourself in faith, by all means, but wear a suit of mail and plate as well. Every man who holds this castle seems to come to a bad end. The Mountain, the Goat, even my father ...
Harrentown
The riverlands and the location of Harrentown
Harrentown
The multitude of lords, retainers, and smallfolk who came to Harrenhal for the Great Council of 101 AC led to Harrentown briefly being considered the fourth largest city of the Seven Kingdoms.
Yoren is hopeful his Night's Watch recruits will be able to sail across the Gods Eye to Harrentown.
When the Brave Companions bring Ser Jaime Lannister to Harrenhal, Jaime notices that the town outside the castle walls has been burned to ash and blackened stone.
The Harridan is a war galley in service to House Velaryon.
The Harridan is a part of Stannis Baratheon's royal fleet commanded by Ser Imry Florent during the Battle of the Blackwater. It is engulfed and destroyed by wildfire after the explosion of the *Swordfish*.
Harridan Hill is the seat of House Harlaw of Harridan Hill on the island of Harlaw. Its master is Boremund Harlaw.
Harrion Karstark, also called Harry, is the eldest son and heir of Lord Rickard Karstark.
Harrion has a beard and is considered fierce.
Harrion accompanies his father, Lord Rickard and his two brothers, Eddard and Torrhen, to Winterfell when Robb Stark calls his banners.
Tyrion Lannister offers to trade Harrion along with Ser Wylis Manderly for Willem Lannister in an exchange of prisoners.
After Roose Bolton takes Harrenhal, Harrion is among the northern prisoners released. Roose sends him along with Robett Glover, Ser Helman Tallhart, and other northerners to take Duskendale.
Harrion is held captive at Maidenpool.
Arnolf Karstark declares for Stannis Baratheon, hoping that when the Iron Throne learns of this they will execute Harrion, thus making his sister Alys the heir to Karhold. Arnolf's plan is to wed his son Cregan to Alys and claim Karhold. Arnolf's declaration for Stannis is also a plot orchestrated alongside Roose Bolton; the plan is to turn against Stannis once his forces reach Winterfell.
Arnolf's plot to claim Karhold is ruined when Jon Snow arranges a marriage between Alys and Sigorn, the Magnar of Thenn, and sends a raven to King Stannis informing of Arnolf's treachery. Should Harrion die, lordship of Karhold would pass to the newly-styled House Thenn.
Ser Harrold Darke was a member of House Darke and a knight in Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard.
Ser Harrold was likely from a minor branch of House Darklyn of Duskendale. He served as a squire to Ser Steffon Darklyn.
Harrold sided with the blacks during the Dance of the Dragons. When Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen fled King's Landing, Harrold managed to persuade Lady Meredyth Darklyn to allow the queen within her walls at Duskendale upon the condition that she would not remain for long.
After Rhaenyra sold her crown Harrold urged her to seek refuge with Lady Jeyne Arryn in the Vale. She refused his council and she and her party sailed for Dragonstone. Upon arriving at the island Ser Alfred Broome's men fell upon the queen's protectors and an axe split Harrold's head before his sword could clear its scabbard. Prince Aegon picked up Harrold's sword to defend his mother, but Alfred knocked it away.
Harrold Hardyng, often called Harry the Heir and sometimes the Young Falcon, is a gallant, handsome squire, and a ward of Lady Anya Waynwood.
Harry is very handsome. He has sandy hair, deep blue eyes, and dimples when he smiles.
According to semi-canon sources, Harrold's personal heraldry that is displayed on his shield is quartered: the arms of House Hardyng and House Waynwood are displayed in the first and third quarters, respectively, and in the second and fourth quarters is the moon-and-falcon sigil of House Arryn.
Harrold is the eldest son and only child of a landed knight of House Hardyng sworn to House Waynwood, and the youngest daughter of Alys Arryn and Ser Elys Waynwood. He was taken in as Lady Anya Waynwood's ward at Ironoaks and was raised there.
Harrold is a great-nephew to Lord Jon Arryn. Jon Arryn's father, Lord Jasper Arryn, had two sons and a daughter. Jon was the eldest of the three. He became the Lord of the Eyrie after his father's death. Jon's younger brother, Ronnel, died at the same time his son Elbert was being born. As Jon Arryn himself had no children, Elbert became his heir. In 282 AC, Elbert was killed by King Aerys II Targaryen.
Jon's sister Alys had eight daughters and one son. The boy, the youngest of the nine, died at the age of three, and two of his sisters died not long after, from the pox. The third of the girls became a septa, having been scarred by the pox. Another daughter became a silent sister. One girl was married but proved barren, and another was carried off by Vale mountain clansmen. The eldest of the daughters was married to Ser Denys Arryn, a distant Arryn cousin. The idea was that their children, in addition to becoming heirs of the Vale, should Elbert die, would be named "Arryn". Denys rode to war and died in the Battle of the Bells during Robert's Rebellion in 283 AC. Both his wife and son died soon after.
The youngest of the eight daughters of Alys Arryn married a landed knight of House Hardyng who was sworn to House Waynwood. She gave birth to Harrold in 281 AC or 282 AC, and perished. In 292 AC, Robert was born to Lord Jon Arryn, becoming his heir. Robert became Lord of the Eyrie on Jon Arryn's death in 298 AC, and Harrold is his heir.
During Petyr Baelish's meeting with the Lords Declarant, Petyr suggests that Harrold should become his ward and a companion to young Lord Robert Arryn, but Lady Anya Waynwood rejects the offer, saying, "You are as bold a thief as I'd ever care to meet." Lord Yohn Royce states that Robert should befriend Harry as his ward at Runestone, but Baelish rejects that offer.
Gossip holds that, despite his youth, Hardyng has already fathered at least one baseborn child, with another on the way. Harry is knighted by Lord Yohn after winning a small melee for squires held at Runestone.
Petyr, the Lord Protector of the Vale of Arryn, arranges a betrothal between Harrold and Sansa Stark, who is masquerading as Petyr's bastard daughter, "Alayne Stone". Lady Anya has agreed to the betrothal in exchange for Petyr forgiving the Waynwood debt that he had acquired, but she insists that Harry must agree to the marriage. Petyr schemes to reveal Sansa's true identity and reclaim Winterfell in her name, with the help of the armies of the Vale once Harry succeeds Robert as Lord of the Eyrie.
Harrold rides with the Waynwoods to the Gates of the Moon, for the tourney for the Brotherhood of Winged Knights. There, he is met by Myranda Royce and Alayne Stone, his betrothed. When Alayne informs Harrold that he is to stay at Falcon Tower, he responds rudely, and insults her status as a bastard. Alayne runs off, desperately embarrassed, and encounters Lothor Brune, who gives Harrold the moniker of "Harry the Arse".
Later, during the feast, after Alayne has danced with several eligible knights, Harry comes and asks her forgiveness for his rudeness and asks her to dance. Alayne agrees, and while they dance, Alayne inquires about Harrold's bastards, to which he answers in all honesty. He tells her of his daughter Alys, fathered on a woman named Cissy. According to Harrold, childbirth left Cissy "fat as a cow", so Lady Waynwood arranged for her to be married off to one of her men-at-arms. Sometime afterwards, Harrold impregnated Saffron, the beautiful daughter of one of the richest spice merchants in Gulltown. Harrold seems to warm up to Alayne, and even bursts into a laugh upon hearing some of her clever japes. Harry asks for Alayne's favor, to wear in the upcoming tourney. She refuses, saying that she has already given it to another.
Ser Harrold Osgrey was the second son of Ser Eustace Osgrey. He was slain at the Battle of the Redgrass Field, during the Blackfyre Rebellion. He is buried at Standfast.
Harrold Rogers was a member of House Rogers. He was married to Branda Stark.
Ser Harrold Swyft was a knight of House Swyft during the reign of Daeron II Targaryen.
Ser Harrold was listed as a participant at the tourney at Ashford Meadow in 209 AC.
Ser Harrold Westerling was a knight of House Westerling and Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. He served under King Viserys I Targaryen. Upon his death in 112 AC he was replaced by Ser Criston Cole.
Harron Harlaw was a High King of the Iron Islands of House Harlaw.
Harron was chosen at a kingsmoot. He slew King Gareth II Gardener of the Reach beneath the walls of Oldtown.
Harry is a name and a nickname in Westeros.
Characters named Harry include:
Characters nicknamed Harry include:
Harry Merrell, known as Hot Harry Merrell, is one of Ser Jaime Lannister's men during his campaign to bring the riverlands back to the authority of the Iron Throne..
After Jaime's column reaches Pennytree, Harry finds a nanny goat in a vegetable garden.
Harry Rivers, known as the Bastard of Bracken, is the bastard son of Lord Jonos Bracken.
Harry is fair-haired and comely.
The Bastard of Bracken is killed by the Lannisters in the riverlands during the War of the Five Kings,.
Justifying his demand for territory from House Blackwood, Lord Jonos Bracken tells Ser Jaime Lannister that his natural son was killed by Lannisters. Lord Tytos Blackwood alleges to Jaime that Jonos was not Harry's father, as there was little physical resemblance.
Ser Harry Sawyer is a knight of House Sawyer.
Brienne of Tarth recalls that Harry participated in a bet beneath the walls of Highgarden to see who would be the first to claim her maidenhead. After the bet was discovered and ended, Brienne sought out and defeated Harry during the melee at Bitterbridge by riding over him., though it is unknown in which side he fought.
The names Harry Sawyer and Robin Potter are references by George R. R. Martin to J. K. Rowling's character Harry Potter.
Harry Strickland, also known as Homeless Harry Strickland, is the captain-general in command of the Golden Company.
See also: Images of Harry Strickland
Harry looks little like a warrior. He is portly, with a big round head, mild grey eyes and thinning grey hair that he brushes sideways to cover up a bald spot. He likes elephants.
Harry Strickland's great-grandsire lost his lands when he rose in rebellion with Daemon Blackfyre. Harry was born in exile and raised with the Golden Company, as was his father and his grandfather. He likes to boast "Gold for four generations". He complains often of blisters on his feet from long marches and is not the bravest of men. Prior to his elevation to leadership Harry was the company paymaster. After the death of the previous commander, Blackheart, Harry was made the new company commander.
Harry brings the Golden Company to three miles south of Volon Therys, where they are met by Jon Connington and Aegon Targaryen.
The harrying of the Stony Shore begins the Iron Islands' campaign against the north during the War of the Five Kings.
Theon Greyjoy is sent to Pyke as an envoy of Robb Stark, King in the North, offering his father Balon Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Islands, an alliance and a strike against the Lannisters. Balon rejects the offer and instead plans to strike at the vulnerable north.
Theon and his party attack a fishing village in the dark of the early morning, slaying most of the men and taking the women for salt wives or thralls. A few men are allowed to escape and inform Torrhen's Square.
When news of ironborn raiding reaches Torrhen's Square, Leobald Tallhart sends Benfred Tallhart and his Wild Hares to investigate.
The captured Benfred refuses to answer questions and insults the Drowned God within Aeron Greyjoy's hearing. He is put to death on Theon's command, being drowned by Aeron and his followers.
After defeating the Wild Hares, Theon gives six of his eight longships to Aeron so he can continue harrying the coast, while the crew of Theon's *Sea Bitch* and Dagmer's *Foamdrinker* advance inland.
By killing Benfred's party, the true size of the assault by the ironmen is kept secret a little longer, which allows the taking of Deepwood Motte and an attack on Torrhen's Square.
Robb will gut you, Greyjoy. He'll feed your turncloak's heart to his wolf, you piece of sheep dung.
- Benfred Tallhart to Theon Greyjoy
Harsley was an inhabitant of the Riverlands. He was slain by the forces of House Lannister during the War of the Five Kings.
Harvest Hall
The stormlands and the location of Harvest Hall
Harvest Hall is the seat of House Selmy in the stormlands.
When he was a youth at Harvest Hall, Barristan Selmy played a kissing game with his cousins.
Ser Barristan Selmy considered returning to Harvest Hall after being removed from the Kingsguard, but he did not want to endanger his cousins. Barristan instead left Westeros to find Viserys Targaryen.
The harvest feast is a celebration of the harvest held in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.
When the maesters of the Citadel declare that autumn has arrived, wise men began storing a portion of their grain, although the recommended percentage is disputed.
When Lord Eddard Stark tells his daughter Sansa that he is sending her back to Winterfell, she regrets that she will not see the harvest feasts, masked balls, and mummer shows of King's Landing.
As the Stark in Winterfell, Bran Stark hosts the harvest feast of the North. Lord Wyman Manderly brings a large retinue from White Harbor, including knights, squires, lesser nobility, heralds, musicians, and a juggler; Big Walder and Little Walder Frey break lances with the Manderly squires. In contrast to the Manderlys, the widowed Lady Donella Hornwood arrives with only six men-at-arms and Cley Cerwyn brings two dozen lances. Other nobles who arrive include Mors and Hother Umber, Tallharts, and the steward of Deepwood Motte to represent House Glover. Lord Ondrew Locke is too old to make the journey, while Lady Lyessa Flint is pregnant and preoccupied with sickness at Widow's Watch. The Mormonts and Karstarks are fighting in the south with Robb Stark, King in the North. There is no representative from House Bolton.
Bran, Maester Luwin, and Ser Rodrik Cassel meet privately with some of the lords. Lord Manderly offers to mint silver and build a fleet for King Robb. Lady Hornwood warns that Ramsay Snow, the bastard son of Lord Roose Bolton, is gathering men to the Dreadfort. Rodrik orders the Umbers to work with the Manderlys to protect against wildling incursions.
At the start of the feast, Bran rides Dancer into the Great Hall of Winterfell amidst cheers of "Stark!" and "Winterfell!", and the northmen, both noble and lowborn, celebrate Robb's victories and the harvest. There are numerous courses, with each dish offered first to Bran. The food is from throughout the North and includes boar, goose-in-berries, salmon, and lobster. Songs performed include "Iron Lances", "The Burning of the Ships", and "The Bear and the Maiden Fair". During the feast, Alebelly announces the arrival of Meera and Jojen Reed, who have come in place of their father, Howland Reed. Prior to joining the feast, the Reeds reaffirm the crannogmen's oath of loyalty to House Stark.
After the meal is done, the Great Hall's tables are cleared to make space for dancing. Hother Umber blows a large warhorn during "The Night That Ended", while Glover men use bladder and woodharp. Mors Umber begins the dancing by grabbing a serving girl, but he is quickly joined by others. Hodor dances by himself, while Beth Cassel dances first with Wyman Manderly and then with Cley Cerwyn. The crippled Bran is unable to dance, however, and retires to his bedchamber. He then dreams of his direwolf, Summer, in the Winterfell godswood.
While returning to Hornwood after the harvest feast, Lady Hornwood is abducted by Ramsay Snow, leading to conflict between Houses Bolton and Manderly.
When Arstan Whitebeard tells Daenerys Targaryen that he had the privilege of hearing her brother Rhaegar play his harp, Ser Jorah Mormont scoffs, as many would have heard Rhaegar perform at some harvest feast.
The feast makes a pleasant pretext, but a man does not cross a hundred leagues for a sliver of duck and a sip of wine. Only those who have matters of import to set before us are like to make the journey.
- Maester Luwin to Bran Stark
Harwin is a member of the household guard of Lord Eddard Stark at Winterfell.
See also: Images of Harwin
Harwin is a stocky man with a clean-shaven appearance. He is known to speak boldly.
Harwin is the son of Hullen, the master of horse at Winterfell.
Harwin remembers Lyanna Stark's skills at horse-riding and was privy to the rumors of Lord Eddard Stark and Ashara Dayne's love affair as a young boy no older than Arya, suggesting he has been a stable-boy and guard of Winterfell in the service of House Stark since his youth.
Harwin is among the party that comes across the direwolf pups in the snow. When Robb Stark states that they would keep the pups, he says it cannot be done.
Harwin is among the guardsmen who accompany Lord Eddard Stark when he travels south to assume the office of Hand of the King to King Robert Baratheon.
Harwin takes part in the Tourney of the Hand but does not fare well, being unhorsed in his first tilt by Ser Meryn Trant of the Kingsguard.
Along with Alyn, Harwin is one of the guards that Eddard sends with Lord Beric Dondarrion to arrest Ser Gregor Clegane in the Riverlands.
Bran Stark believes Harwin among the dead who never came back from the south.
Harwin is encountered by Arya Stark in the riverlands, having joined the brotherhood without banners.
When Arya attempts to escape from the brotherhood from horseback, Harwin is the only member who is able to keep up with her on horseback and catch her. He tells Arya that her skills in horse-riding remind him of her deceased aunt, Lady Lyanna Stark.
Harwin takes part in the engagement with the Brave Companions at the septry.
After the Red Wedding when the body of Catelyn Stark is found by the brotherhood without banners, Harwin asks Thoros of Myr to revive her but Thoros refuses. However, Beric Dondarrion follows Harwin's request and revives her, giving his own life.
Harwin is listed as being part of Lady Stoneheart's band of outlaws.
Ser Harwin Strong, known as Breakbones, was a knight from House Strong and heir to Harrenhal. He also served as a captain in the City Watch of King's Landing. The rumored lover of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Harwin is believed by some to have been the real father of her first three children, (Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey Velaryon).
Harwin was said to be the strongest man in the Seven Kingdoms in his day.
Princess Rhaenyra granted Harwin her favor at the tourney celebrating her wedding with Ser Laenor Velaryon. At that tourney, Ser Criston Cole broke his collarbone and shattered his elbow. Thereafter the fool Mushroom called him Brokenbones.
When Rhaenyra moved to Dragonstone in 114 AC, Harwin went with her as her personal sworn shield and the leader of the blacks.
Harwin died in a fire at Harrenhal that also killed his father, Lord Lyonel Strong. The fire was blamed on the curse of Harrenhal. Other non-mystical suspects included:
Harwood Fell is Lord of Felwood and head of House Fell.
Harwood's grandsire was killed by Robert Baratheon at Summerhall during Robert's Rebellion. Harwood admires Robert for his martial prowess.
In support of Stannis Baratheon, Lord Harwood is among Stannis's lords who sail north to the Wall and ride for Castle Black. He is one of the queen's men, the supporters of Queen Selyse Florent and followers of R'hllor.
Harwood counts three hundred men of fighting age among the wildlings who pass through the Wall.
He accompanies Stannis on the march on Winterfell.
Robert would have done it in ten. Robert would have been inside Winterfell a fortnight ago, thumbing his nose at Bolton from the battlements.
- Harwood during the march to Winterfell
Harwood Stout is the Lord of Goldgrass and head of House Stout.
Harwood is grizzled and is missing an arm.
Lord Harwood hosts a feast for Ramsay Bolton at Goldgrass after his failed search for the missing Freys; Lady Barbrey Dustin has barred Ramsay from Barrow Hall. Grey Jeyne and Maude kill one of Harwood's old hounds over a meaty bone Will Short tosses them. Lord Roose Bolton arrives at the feast to tell Ramsay he will be wed at Winterfell instead of Barrowton and to take Theon Greyjoy with him.
Harwood attends the wedding of Ramsay to "Arya Stark", actually Jeyne Poole, at Winterfell.
Leave the castle? Would you have us charge blindly into the snow?
- Harwood to Hosteen Frey
Harwyn Hoare, known as Harwyn Hardhand, was a King of the Iron Islands from House Hoare who conquered the riverlands and became the first King of the Isles and the Rivers. The ironborn longship *Hardhand* is presumably named in his honor.
In his youth Harwyn raided the Stepstones and visited Free Cities such as Volantis, Tyrosh, Braavos, and Lys. He was a captive in the Basilisk Isles for two years, served as a sellsword in the Disputed Lands, and joined the Second Sons, with whom he fought in several battles.
Harwyn succeeded his ailing father, King Qhorwyn the Cunning, although Harwyn had only been third in line to the Seastone Chair. His eldest brother had already died of greyscale two years prior, but the middle brother, Prince Harlan, died after falling from a horse. Though it was said to be an accident, the death was considered suspicious especially when King Qhorwyn passed six days later, allowing Harwyn to claim the throne as King of the Iron Islands.
Harwyn planned the invasion of the riverlands, which were weakly held by the Storm King Arrec Durrandon. The ironborn landed one hundred longships south of Seagard and then carried the ships to the Blue Fork. Samwell Rivers' small host was shattered by Harwyn's charge at the Tumblestone. Harwyn then defeated the army of Lady Agnes Blackwood, who was betrayed by Lord Lothar Bracken. Harwyn was impressed with Agnes and offered her to become his salt wife, but the king killed her when she refused.
The Storm King Arrec then met Harwyn in a battle at Fairmarket. Aided by many river lords, including Lothar Bracken, Theo Charlton, and Lords Goodbrook, Paege, and Vypren, the Hoares crushed the stormlanders and Arrec's rule over the riverlands collapsed. The rivermen had hoped to regain their independence and celebrated at first, but Harwyn retained control for himself. Lord Bracken had desired to be river king; he rose in rebellion six months later, which resulted in him starving to death in a crow cage.
Harwyn spent most of his reign ruling and suppressing rebellions in the riverlands rather than the Iron Islands. Harwyn died in bed with a salt wife at the age of 64, and he was succeeded as King of the Isles and the Rivers by his son, Halleck Hoare.
Longships are meant to be sailed [and] swords are meant to be blooded.
- Harwyn to the ironborn
His palace was a tent, his throne a saddle.
- Harwyn's men regarding Harwyn
Ser Harwyn Plumm, called Hardstone, is the third son of Lord Philip Plumm.
Harwyn is hard-eyed and taciturn, unforgiving and deadly. He uses a warhammer. Ser Jaime Lannister considers him a good man to command a garrison, but not someone to love.
Harwyn and his brothers Ser Dennis and Ser Peter Plumm are among the men who are sent by Lord Tywin Lannister to the Riverlands in search of his son, after Ser Jaime Lannister has been released from Riverrun by Lady Catelyn Stark.
Ser Harwyn clears the broken men from Darry, before Lord Lancel Lannister takes his seat there.
Harwyn considers the tales that Lord Beric Dondarrion can't be killed lies. He promises Lady Amerei, whose father Merrett Frey was hanged by the Brotherhood Without Banners, that he is going to bring her Dondarrion's head. He believes that the smallfolk in the Riverlands secretly hide and support the Brotherhood, lying about this to their lords.
Upon hearing reports that there are outlaws on the other side of the Trident, he takes five knights and twenty archers and goes searching for them, making him miss Ser Jaime Lannister's visit to the castle when Jaime is on his way to ending the siege at Riverrun. When he learns about Harwyn's vow to Lady Amerei, Jaime reflects how very different Harwyn is from his more companionable brothers, and, noticing her blushing when she calls Harwyn gallant, he suspects that "Gatehouse Ami" does have an amorous interest in Harwyn. When Jaime warns Lancel about this, his cousin expresses his indifference, announcing that he is going to renounce lordship and marriage and that Harwyn can have both, if he wants to.
Ser Harys Cobb is a knight sworn to King Stannis Baratheon.
He accompanies and continues to serve his King at the Wall. He marches to Winterfell with King Stannis.
Ser Harys Graceford was a knight of House Graceford during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen.
Harys was listed as a participant of the tourney at Ashford Meadow of 209 AC.
Ser Harys Haigh is a knight of House Haigh. He is son of Ser Leslyn Haigh and Perriane Frey.
Ser Harys is a member of the force under the command of Lord Roose Bolton that took Harrenhal. During a war council following the arrival of news of Tywin Lannister's victory in the Battle of the Blackwater, he doubts the chances of their 'boy king', Robb Stark, against Lord Tywin, who has defeated a seasoned commander like Stannis Baratheon, their
Ser Harys was introduced to Lady Catelyn Tully at the Twins on the eve of Lord Edmure Tully's wedding along with the other Haighs and their Frey kin.
When news of the raid at Saltpans reached the Twins, Ser Arwood Frey, Ser Harys and Ser Donnel Haigh rode to the town with a small force to investigate. There they found Ser Quincy Cox, the Knight of Saltpans, sitting behind his walls and the town in ashes.
Ser Harys Horpe, known as Death's Head Harry, was a knight of House Horpe and a member of the Warrior's Sons at the start of the reign of King Maegor I Targaryen.
In 42 AC Lyle was stationed at the King's Landing chapter of the Warrior's Sons, based in the Sept of Remembrance. He fought in the trial of seven in which seven of the Warrior's Sons faced King Maegor I Targaryen and his six champions.
According to several chronicles of the event, Ser Harys lost his arm to Lord Lucifer Massey, one of the king's champions. One of these accounts state that he then tossed his battle-axe into his remaining hand and buried it between Lord Lucifer's eyes. Other chroniclers suggest Death's Head Harry simply died.
Ser Harys Swyft is the Knight of Cornfield and head of House Swyft. He is the good-father to Ser Kevan Lannister.
Harys has a small white beard
When Tytos Lannister was Lord of Casterly Rock, Ser Harys borrowed large sums of money from House Lannister. Upon Ser Tywin Lannister's return from the War of the Ninepenny Kings, the young heir of Casterly Rock was determined to return his House's status and began by demanding repayment of gold lent by his father, Tytos. Those who could not repay immediately had to send a hostage to Casterly Rock until their debt was settled. Harys hastened to obey, stating, "The Lion has awoken." Unable to pay immediately, Harys surrendered his daughter, Dorna, into the custody of Ser Kevan Lannister until the debt was settled. Kevan eventually married Dorna.
Ser Harys is part of Lord Tywin Lannister's force in the riverlands, and he participates in the battle on the Green Fork. When a courier arrives at Tywin's camp bearing the news of the defeat of the Lannister forces in the Battle of the Camps, lifting the siege of Riverrun, Harys questions Ser Jaime Lannister's tactical ability, criticizing that Jaime split up his host into three different camps. Ser Kevan Lannister refutes his good-father's critique, considering Riverrun's strategic position. When the defeatist Harys wants to appeal for peace, Tyrion Lannister explains that Robb Stark will want vengeance for the execution of his father, Lord Eddard Stark. Harys suggests appealing to the Crown for new troops and trying to raise a new host at Casterly Rock.
Harys is with Lord Tywin's army when they take Harrenhal. During their time there Harys alienates the cooks, who spit in his food. His squire is killed in an argument with the Brave Companions over their inability to kill Lord Beric Dondarrion. Arya Stark watches Harys kiss Vargo Hoat under Tywin's orders to put the conflict behind them.
During the Battle of the Blackwater, Harys is trapped beneath his horse after it falls on him. He is rescued by one of his men-at-arms, Willit, who defends him against all attackers, taking grievous wounds in the process.
Harys is among the nobles that accompany Tyrion Lannister to meet the Dornish party when they arrive at King's Landing.
Harys is named Hand of the King by Queen Regent Cersei Lannister, because he is a weak man whom Cersei could use as a hostage against her uncle, Ser Kevan Lannister.
After the death of Lord Gyles Rosby, Cersei names Harys lord treasurer and replaces him as Hand with Lord Orton Merryweather.
When Cersei is arrested by the Faith of the Seven, Harys and Grand Maester Pycelle take control of King Tommen and request that Kevan Lannister return to King's Landing as regent.
Harys continues to serve as lord treasurer,
In Braavos, Harys attends a performance of *The Bloody Hand* at the Gate, accompanied by the Black Pearl of Braavos and some of the Mountain's men as guards, including Raff the Sweetling.
Harys: Ser Jaime taken, the siege broken ... this is a catastrophe!
Addam: I am sure we are all grateful to you for pointing out the obvious, Ser Harys.
- Harys and Addam Marbrand
These are perilous times.
- Harys to Kevan Lannister
Better than you, you chinless craven, Tyrion thought. Jaime might have lost Riverrun, but it angered him to hear his brother slandered by the likes of Swyft, a shameless lickspittle whose greatest accomplishment was marrying his equally chinless daughter to Ser Kevan, and thereby attaching himself to the Lannisters.
- Tyrion Lannister's thoughts
Kevan should be Tommen's Hand. Harys Swyft is a toad, and my sister is a fool if she thinks elsewise.
– Jaime Lannister's thoughts
Genna: Is it true that Cersei burned the Red Keep?
Jaime: Only the Tower of the Hand.
Genna: She would have done better to leave the tower and burn her Hand. Harys Swyft? If ever a man deserved his arms, it is Ser Harys.
- Genna Lannister and Jaime Lannister
The knight of the yellow chicken, Cersei mused. You ought to take a worm for your sigil, ser. A chicken is too bold for you.
- Cersei Lannister's thoughts
A hathay is a cart known to be used in Volantis, Essos.
A hathay is a cart similar to a Westerosi oxcart, however the hathay is far more ornate. It is said that travelling afoot can taint visitors in the eyes of foreign born captains and the Volantenes alike, therefore persons of quality travel by palanquin, or in the back of a hathay.
The hathay is pulled by a dwarf elephant, it has a cushioned bench for passengers between the cart's two huge iron-rimmed wooden wheels. The slaves that drive the hathays have a wheel tattooed upon one check and are naked but for a breechclout and a pair of sandals.
The cousin of the Merchant's House innkeep owns several such hathays.
One of the known hathay routes is along the Volantene wharves.
Prince Quentyn Martell and his companions take a hathay from the Volantene wharves back to the Merchant's House.
After helping his passengers up onto the hathay the driver clambered onto the dwarf elephant’s back and directed it in the local tongue and by prodding it with his heel. To clear the way for his hathay the driver hooted at slaves and freemen alike.
The haunted forest
The north and the location of the haunted forest
The haunted forest in the lands beyond the Wall
The haunted forest in the lands beyond the Wall
The haunted forest is a vast forest beyond the Wall in in northern Westeros. Located beyond the Seven Kingdoms, it is inhabited by the free folk and is bounded to the west by the Frostfangs and to the east by the Shivering Sea and the Bay of Seals. North of the haunted forest is the unmapped Land of Always Winter.
See also: Images of the haunted forest
Types of trees in the haunted forest include ironwood, sentinel, oak, and weirwood.
The wood is named the haunted forest by the brothers of the Night's Watch, who traditionally have cut all trees within half a mile of the Wall. As the number of brothers has diminished over the centuries, however, the treeline has crept closer to the Wall, aside from the inhabited forts of Castle Black, the Shadow Tower, and Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.
Blocks of ice from the haunted forest's lakes are said to have been used in the construction of the Wall centuries ago.
Rangers encamped in the haunted forest - by BrittMartin.
While ranging in the haunted forest, Ser Waymar Royce, Will, and Gared are attacked by Others, who had been believed extinct.
Jeor Mormont, Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, leads a great ranging northwest from Castle Black into the haunted forest in search of Mance Rayder's wildling host and the missing Benjen Stark. They stop at Craster's Keep
The Night's Watch encamped at the solitary hill amidst the forest are suddenly attacked by wights and overwhelmed in the fight at the Fist.
Samwell Tarly and the wildling Gilly flee from Craster's through the haunted forest. After being saved from wights by Coldhands,
Meanwhile, Mance Rayder has gathered the free folk and moves his host through the forest toward Castle Black. They besiege the Wall,
The haunted forest by Carlo Bocchio © Fantasy Flight Games
Mance's wilding host collapses after being defeated by Stannis and the Night's Watch, with the survivors captured at Castle Black or fleeing throughout the regions beyond the Wall.
Jon Snow, now Lord Commander, sends three groups of rangers led by Ser Alliser Thorne, Black Jack Bulwer, and Kedge Whiteye to scout north of the Wall;
Bran Stark travels with his companions through the haunted forest toward the cave of the three-eyed crow. Along the way, Coldhands kills the mutineers from Craster's Keep.
The first time he had been sent beyond, all the old stories had come rushing back, and his bowels had turned to water. He had laughed about it afterward. He was a veteran of a hundred rangings by now, and the endless dark wilderness that the southron called the haunted forest had no more terrors for him.
- Will's thoughts
Few axes had ever swung in that black wood, where even the moonlight could not penetrate the ancient tangle of root and thorn and grasping limb. Out there the trees grew huge, and the rangers said they seemed to brood and knew not men. It was small wonder the Night's Watch named it the haunted forest.
- Tyrion Lannister's thoughts
Good men have gone into those woods before, and never come out.
- Yoren to a black brother
Beyond the Wall the haunted forest stands as it stood in the Dawn Age, long before the Andals brought the Seven across the narrow sea.
– Jeor Mormont to Grenn
No one would admit to being afraid—they were men of the Night's Watch, after all—but Jon could feel the unease. Four empty villages, no wildlings anywhere, even the game seemingly fled. The haunted forest had never seemed more haunted.
- Jon Snow's thoughts
This is the haunted forest. Maybe there are ghosts here, the spirits of the First Men. This was their place, once.
– Jon Snow's thoughts
Hayford is the seat of House Hayford in the Crownlands. According to semi-canon sources, Hayford is located half a day's ride north of King's Landing along the kingsroad.
Ser Jaime Lannister camps his forces beneath the walls of Hayford and is asked to supper by the castellan of the castle. Jaime brings several lords and knights with him. Under the moonlight he spars with Ser Ilyn Payne in a small courtyard next to Hayford's armory.
Hayhead is a guard sworn to House Stark. He has a large wen on his nose.
Hayhead is a new guardsman, hired after Robb and Eddard Stark go south.
Haystack Hall
The stormlands and the location of Haystack Hall
Haystack Hall[N 1] is the seat of House Errol in the stormlands. It is located east of the kingsroad, northeast of Bronzegate, and south of the kingswood.