Annotations from item #46264674:

Basilisk Point

Northern Sothoryos and the location of Basilisk Point

Basilisk Point is a peninsula on the northern coast of the continent of Sothoryos. The Isle of Tears lies to the east of the point, while Naath lies to the west. To the north are the Basilisk Isles.

History

The Valyrian Freehold tried to settle colonies at Basilisk Point, but they failed due to Brindled Men, plague, and abandonment during the Fourth Ghiscari War.

During the travels of Nymeria's ten thousand ships, some of her Rhoynar settled on Basilisk Point. Two towns were raided by slavers, however, and the Rhoynar eventually abandoned Sothoryos.




Annotations from item #46264675:

Bass is a steward of the Night's Watch at Castle Black, where he acts as kennelmaster.

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Bass is one of the rangers who accompany Lord Commander Jeor Mormont when he decides to inspect the corpses of Othor and Jafer Flowers for himself in the Haunted Forest. Bass has a hard time controlling the dogs when they first smell the scent of the two corpses.




Annotations from item #46264676:

The Bastard's Boys © FFG

The Bastard's Boys are men-at-arms of House Bolton, in service to Ramsay Bolton.

Contents

Recent Events

A Dance with Dragons

When Ramsay Bolton hosts Arnolf Karstark and Hother Umber at the Dreadfort, the Bastard's Boys occupy the best seats near the dais.

The Bastard's Boys follow Ramsay around at Winterfell,

Members

See also: Images of the Bastard's Boys

Quotes

I know what he said. You’re to spy on me and keep his secrets. As if he had secrets. Sour Alyn, Luton, Skinner, and the rest, where does he think they came from? Can he truly believe they are his men?

Roose Bolton to "Reek"

You he'll flay. Him and Skinner and Damon Dance-for-Me, they will make a game of it. You’ll be begging them to kill you.

– "Reek" to "Abel"

One was brutal, the other mean, but both had spent most of their lives in service at the Dreadfort. They did as they were told.

- thoughts of "Reek"




Annotations from item #46264677:

Bastard's Cradle is a small isle off the coast of the Arbor in the Reach.

Recent Events

A Feast for Crows

Bastard's Cradle is attacked by the ironborn, along with Stonecrab Cay, the Isle of Pigs, Mermaid's Palace and Horseshoe Rock. Parts of it are now used as ironborn bases in the Reach.




Annotations from item #46264678:

The bastard's bastard is how Victarion Greyjoy refers to a thrall and oarsman in the Iron Fleet. He's the bastard son of a bastard.

Contents

Appearance

He is big.

Recent Events

The Winds of Winter

The bastard's bastard is one of the oarsmen in the *Sparrow Hawk*. He is one of the three thralls that Victarion recruits to blow Dragonbinder. He is promised to be made free and given a wife, land, a ship and thralls of his own if he survives.




Annotations from item #46264679:

Ramsay Bolton and his hounds - by GibiLynx ©

© Fantasy Flight Games.

The "bastard's girls" is the name given to Ramsay Bolton's pack of hunting hounds by Theon Greyjoy.

Contents

About

See also: Images of the Bastard's girls

The pack is made up of all vicious, mean tempered bitches. The dogs are looked after by the kennelmaster Ben Bones, who under Ramsay's instructions also trained them to kill wolves.

Hunting

Ramsay uses the hounds to hunt peasant women. He releases them naked into the woods, giving them half a day's head start. When he catches them he rapes and kills them. Those that give him good sport are given a quick death, and Ramsay names a new bitch pup after the woman. Those that do not are denied a quick death, instead being flayed alive, and no pup is named after them. He feeds their corpses to his dogs.

The Hounds

Quotes

Ramsay will use your women as his prey. He’ll hunt them down, rape them, and feed their corpses to his dogs. If they lead him a good chase, he may name his next litter of bitches after them.

Theon Greyjoy, to "Abel"




Annotations from item #46264680:

The bastard daughter of Rickon Stark is only mentioned in a semi-canon source, since she was cut from *The World of Ice & Fire* for reasons of space.

Family




Annotations from item #46264681:

Bastard Letter and Pink Letter are fan-given names for a letter purportedly written by Ramsay Bolton.

Contents

Recent Events

A Dance with Dragons

The letter is delivered to Lord Commander Jon Snow by the steward Clydas at Castle Black. It is addressed to "Bastard" and is sealed with pink sealing wax, which is used by House Bolton. The letter states:

Your false king is dead, bastard. He and all his host were smashed in seven days of battle. I have his magic sword. Tell his red whore.

Your false king's friends are dead. Their heads upon the walls of Winterfell. Come see them, bastard. Your false king lied, and so did you. You told the world you burned the King-Beyond-the-Wall. Instead you sent him to Winterfell to steal my bride from me.

I will have my bride back. If you want Mance Rayder back, come and get him. I have him in a cage for all the north to see, proof of your lies. The cage is cold, but I have made him a warm cloak from the skins of the six whores who came with him to Winterfell.

I want my bride back. I want the false king's queen. I want his daughter and his red witch. I want this wildling princess. I want his little prince, the wildling babe. And I want my Reek. Send them to me, bastard, and I will not trouble you or your black crows. Keep them from me, and I will cut out your bastard's heart and eat it.

Ramsay Bolton,

Trueborn Lord of Winterfell.

Jon reads the letter to the illiterate Tormund, who is skeptical of its contents. Convinced some of the letter is accurate, Jon announces in the Shieldhall he will march to Winterfell, which leads many free folk to volunteer to accompany him. After leaving the hall, however, Jon is stabbed in the mutiny at Castle Black.




Annotations from item #46264682:

It is widely theorized that the "Bastard Letter" sent to Jon Snow, apparently from Ramsay, claiming Stannis is dead and challenging Jon Snow, is false, and may not even be written by Ramsay.

Contents

Ramsay Bolton

Counter-Argument

Stannis Baratheon

Counter-Argument

Mance Rayder

Counter-Argument

Wyman Manderly

Counter-Argument




Annotations from item #46264683:

The Bastard of Blackhaven was a bastard of House Dondarrion during the reign of the Storm King Argilac Durrandon..

History

The Bastard of Blackhaven and Dickon Morrigen were slain by the dragonflame of Meraxes while leading the vanguard of Argilac during the Last Storm.




Annotations from item #46264684:

The Bastard of Harrenhal was a bastard of House Lothston during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen. He was defeated by Ser Arlan of Pennytree in the melee at a tourney at King's Landing in 193 AC..




Annotations from item #46264685:

Bastard sword is the name given to swords that fall between the longsword and the greatsword in size. A bastard sword is sometimes referred to as "hand-and-a-half sword".

Size relative to other swords

The bastard sword is mostly distinguished from a longsword because it has a grip long enough to allow two-handed use. Bastard swords have slightly longer blades as well, but they remain light enough to be wielded one-handed should the need arise, unlike the greatsword that requires two hands.

Appearances in the Novels and size speculation

The most prominent bastard sword seen in the novels is the Valyrian blade Longclaw, wielded by Jon Snow. Jon describes it as a good half foot longer than the longswords he was used to.




Annotations from item #46264686:

A bastard is a person whose parents are not married to each other.

Contents

Social status

A bastard daughter of Prince Oberyn Martell - by Magali Villeneuve. © Fantasy Flight Games

A polite way of referring to someone who is bastard-born is referring to someone may as a "natural son" or "natural daughter".

It is not unexpected for noblemen to have bastard children,

There is a certain stigma that comes from being born as a bastard. They are said to be born from lust, lies, and weakness,

Nonetheless, a bastard might rise high. Male bastards may study at the Citadel and become a maester (e.g., Walys, a former maester of Winterfell.

Bastards can also be knighted, and may even be appointed to the Kingsguard (e.g., Mervyn Flowers.

Another example is the origin of House Justman. This house was founded by Benedict Rivers, a bastard son descending of both House Blackwood and House Bracken. House Justman ruled the riverlands for three centuries before being eventually wiped out during a war against the ironborn and King Qhored Hoare.

Surnames

Each of the nine constituent regions of the Seven Kingdoms have bastard surnames decreed by custom, not law.

The surname a bastard received appears to be connected to the location the child is raised, though this is not a consistent rule. Because of this, bastards who are half-siblings might have different surnames. For example, King Robert I Baratheon's eldest bastard, born and raised in the Vale, is called Mya Stone, while his bastard from the stormlands (fathered on a noblewoman from the Reach) is called Edric Storm. However, whilst Aegor Rivers was raised at Stone Hedge in the riverlands, his half-brother Brynden was also called Rivers, despite having lived at least the first few years of his life with his mother at King's Landing in the crownlands.

Most legitimate offspring of a bastard decides to keep the bastard surname.

Acknowledgement

Jon Snow, the acknowledged bastard son of Eddard Stark - by Natascha Roeoesli. © Fantasy Flight Games

At any point, the biological father of a bastard may acknowledge him and bring him formally into his house. King Robert I Baratheon acknowledged Edric Storm at his birth, although the boy was raised at Storm's End.

Prince Oberyn Martell has fathered eight bastard daughters on five different mothers.

Legitimization

Aegor Rivers, a Great Bastard, fathered by Aegon IV Targaryen - by Marc Simonetti ©

Besides acknowledging bastards, they can also be legitimized. This power is reserved to monarchs alone.

Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen legitimized the brothers Addam and Alyn of Hull as heirs of Lord Corlys Velaryon.

According to a semi-canon source, children born out of wedlock can be rendered legitimate if their parents marry afterwards.

Rights of Inheritance

See also: Inheritance

The bastard-born have few rights under law and custom.

A bastard may inherit if the father has no other trueborn children nor any other direct heirs to follow him. For example, in 299 AC, following the deaths of Lord Halys Hornwood and his trueborn son, Daryn, Halys's natural son Larence Snow is considered as a potential heir by House Hornwoods overlords, House Stark.

It is unclear whether a legitimized bastard would be placed in the succession according to birth order, or would be placed at the end, after the trueborn children.

Coat of Arms

Bastards do not have the right to use the arms of the highborn families from which they descend.

Several examples:

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Prince Joffrey Baratheon is believed by King Robert I Baratheon to be his trueborn son, and is therefore the heir to House Baratheon of King's Landing, and heir to the Iron Throne. However, Lord Eddard Stark discovers that Joffrey, as well as his siblings Myrcella and Tommen, are actually the bastards of Queen Cersei Lannister and her twin brother, Jaime.

A Clash of Kings

The revelation of Joffrey's bastardy, as the product of adultery on the part of Queen Cersei Lannister, causes Joffrey's claim to the Iron Throne to be disputed after Robert's death by Robert's eldest brother, Stannis Baratheon.

A Storm of Swords

Ramsay Snow's official bastard status is removed by a royal decree, as a reward for the Boltons betraying the Starks and bowing to the Lannisters, and he becomes the heir of House Bolton.

Robb Stark, as King in the North, plans to legitimize his bastard half-brother Jon Snow and proclaim him as his heir.

Having fled King's Landing with the aid of Lord Petyr Baelish, Sansa Stark poses as his natural daughter, named Alayne Stone.

A Feast for Crows

Sansa Stark is still posing in the Vale as Alayne Stone, the bastard-born daughter of Petyr Baelish.

A Dance with Dragons

Tyrion Lannister uses the name Hugor Hill while traveling through Essos, pretending to be a bastard from Lannisport.

Notable Bastards

See also: List of known bastards

Crownlands

Dorne

Iron Islands

North

The Reach

Riverlands

Stormlands

Vale of Arryn

Westerlands

Quotes

Orys Baratheon was a baseborn half brother to Lord Aegon, it was whispered, and the Storm King would not dishonor his daughter by giving her hand to a bastard. The very suggestion enraged him.

- writings of Gyldayn

The old High Septon told my father that king's laws are one thing, and the laws of the gods another. Trueborn children are made in a marriage bed and blessed by the Father and the Mother, but bastards are born of lust and weakness, he said. King Aegon decreed that his bastards were not bastards, but he could not change their nature. The High Septon said all bastards are born to betrayal ...

- Egg to Duncan

A bastard had to learn to notice things, to read the truth that people hid behind their eyes.

- thoughts of Jon Snow

Go away, I wanted only Freys up here, the King in the North has no interest in base stock.

Walder Frey to little Walda Rivers

Bastard children were born from lust and lies, men said; their nature was wanton and treacherous. Once Jon had meant to prove them wrong, to show his lord father he could as good a true son as Robb Stark.

- thoughts of Jon Snow

Well, Aerion Brightflame did not stay in Lys all his life, only a few years. He may have fathered a few bastards there, which would mean Dany has "relatives" of a sort in Lys... but they would be very distant relatives, from the wrong side of the blanket.

- George R. R. Martin




Annotations from item #46264687:

Empress Bathi Ma Lo was the wife of God-Emperor Lo Doq, called Lo Lackwit, ruler of the Golden Empire of Yi Ti. Some suggest she was the true ruler behind her simpleton husband, who despite his affliction ruled wisely for more than thirty years.




Annotations from item #46264688:

The Battle Above the Gods Eye

Contents

Prelude

After leaving Maidenpool, Daemon challenged Aemond, waiting for thirteen days at Harrenhal until Aemond stopped burning the riverlands to come face him.

Aemond arrived on the fourteenth day, accompanied by his pregnant lover, Alys Rivers. Aemond and Daemon talked briefly before mounting their dragons. Aemond passionately kissed Alys goodbye.

Battle

Battle Above the Gods Eye © Sir-Heartsalot

The duel was said to be a sight to see. The sun was setting as the two dragons took to the sky. The dragons' shrieks and roars could be heard from a dozen miles away. So bright was the dragonfire that smallfolk feared the sky was aflame. Caraxes slammed into Vhagar, locking his jaws on Vhagar's neck. Both dragons were grappling as they descended from the sky. Caraxes's jaw continued to tighten around Vhagar's neck even as Vhagar's teeth tore Caraxes's wing and his claws opened Caraxes's belly. Prince Daemon is said to have leapt from his saddle on Caraxes on to Vhagar. Daemon drove his blade, Dark Sister, through his nephew's empty eye socket just as both dragons collided with the Gods Eye lake below, sending up a gout of water so high it was as tall as the Kingspyre Tower at Harrenhal. Neither man could have survived.

Aftermath

The loss of both Aemond and Daemon and their powerful dragons was a severe blow to both the greens and the blacks. Each side lost a capable warrior and commander, as well as a powerful dragon.

Vhagar's corpse was found years later, with Prince Aemond's armored corpse still chained to her saddle with Dark Sister through his eye. Vhagar's skull was brought to King's Landing and displayed on the walls of the throne room. Dark Sister was restored to House Targaryen.

Caraxes lived long enough to crawl from the Gods Eye back to the shore, where he died near Harrenhal. Daemon's body was never found, however. Some tales claim Daemon survived and later went to find his lover Nettles, but most historians dismiss this, believing instead that Daemon's body was carried away by currents or consumed by fish.




Annotations from item #46264689:

The Battle Beneath the Gods Eye took place near the Gods Eye in the latter part of 43 AC.

Contents

Prelude

King Maegor I Targaryen, the half-brother of the late King Aenys I Targaryen, claimed the Iron Throne in 42 AC. At the time Aenys's eldest son, Prince Aegon Targaryen, was besieged at Crakehall Castle by thousands of Poor Fellows, leaving Aegon unable to act. After Maegor had won his trial of seven against the Warrior's Sons at King's Landing, Aegon's mother, Dowager Queen Alyssa Velaryon, proclaimed Aegon king on Driftmark, to no avail. When the Poor Fellows besieging Crakehall finally marched to King's Landing, Prince Aegon and his sister-wife, Princess Rhaena, were able to depart. They fled to Casterly Rock, where they were given protected by Lord Lyman Lannister. Lady Jocasta, Lyman's wife, discerned that Rhaena was with child. The princess gave birth to her twin daughters, Aerea and Rhaella, the same year.

Aegon remained adamant about his claim to the throne, but was unable to find many lords who were willing to risk Maegor's wroth by supporting Aegon's claim. Not even Lord Lannister was willing to give his support to Aegon, although he did refuse Maegor's demands that Aegon and Rhaena be expelled from Casterly Rock. Additionally, it was said that Aegon's own mother had abandoned his cause, as she had been present at King's Landing for King Maegor's third marriage.

Eventually, Aegon gained support from lords from the westerlands and riverlands, including Lords Tarbeck, Piper, Roote, Vance, Frey, Paege, Parren and Westerling. Additionally, Lord Corbray, Denys Snow, and the fourth son of Lord Connington joined Aegon's side.

When Aegon eventually marched in 43 AC, King Maegor was informed by his mistress of whisperers, Tyanna of the Tower, that Dowager Queen Alyssa Velaryon had been in secret correspondence with the Starks, Arryns, Lannisters, and Baratheons. However, the great lords wished to be certain of Aegon's ability to win before they pledged their support.

Battle

In 43 AC, Aegon asserted his claim to the throne and denounced King Maegor I Targaryen as a tyrant and usurper. Although each of these armies were smaller than Aegon's force, they were coming from all sides. Only seventeen years old, Aegon was yet an inexperienced commander. He refused to attack and defeat each of Maegor's forces separately, as Lord Corbray advised, as he was loathe to divide his army. Instead, he continued his march on the capital.

Just south of the Gods Eye, Prince Aegon found Davos's force blocking his path, as the forces of the Reach were advancing from the south, and the forces from Lords Tully and Harroway were advancing from the north. Aegon ordered a charge against the hill where the Kingslanders had gathered, hoping to shatter them before the other hosts could flank him. Aegon mounted Quicksilver, intend to lead the attack himself. However, King Maegor I appeared from the south upon the back of Balerion, who was much larger and stronger than Quicksilver. Balerion the Black Dread fell upon the younger dragon from above, ripping a wing from her body. Quicksilver fell to her death, with Prince Aegon upon her back.

Once Aegon fell, the rebels saw their cause lost and ran. They were slaughtered by the loyalists surrounding them as they attempted to escape, and by the end two thousand of Aegon's men had died, including Lord Alyn Tarbeck, Denys Snow, Lord Jon Piper, Lord Ronnel Vance, and Ser Willam Whistler. Among Maegor's forces, the losses were fewer. In total a hundred men died, and the only notable loss among them was Ser Davos Darklyn, who had been slain by Lord Corbray with Lady Forlorn.

Aftermath

The battle beneath the Gods Eye in the latter half of 43 AC was followed by a half a year of trials and executions. Dowager Queen Visenya Targaryen managed to persuade King Maegor to spare some of the rebellious lords. Maegor demanded lands and titles from the rebels, and took hostages as well to ensure the loyalty of those he had spared.




Annotations from item #46264690:

Battle Island

The Reach and the location of Battle Island

Battle Island is located within Oldtown. The island sits in the area where the Honeywine widens and empties into Whispering Sound. The Hightower sits atop it.




Annotations from item #46264691:

Battle Valley is a ruin in the riverlands. It is disputed land between House Bracken and House Blackwood. It is currently held by House Blackwood.

Recent Events

A Dance with Dragons

Lord Jonos Bracken unsuccessfully asks Ser Jaime Lannister for Battle Valley for subduing Lord Tytos Blackwood.




Annotations from item #46264692:

A battle at Black Bog was fought in the stormlands during the Andal invasion. The Weirwood Alliance between the First Men of the stormlands and the children of the forest dealt the Andals a stinging defeat at Black Bog. It was one of a series of victories for House Durrandon that helped check the decline of the Kingdom of the Storm for a time.




Annotations from item #46264693:

A battle at Duskendale.

Contents

Background

While at Harrenhal, Lord Roose Bolton learns of Stannis Baratheon's defeat in the Battle of the Blackwater and the siege of Darry by Ser Helman Tallhart. He orders Helman to kill his Lannister captives and put Darry to the torch, and then march with Robett Glover to Duskendale in the mostly-unharmed crownlands. With Torrhen's Square and Deepwood Motte, their strongholds in the north, having been seized by the ironborn, Roose states both men are keen for vengeance.

Meanwhile, after the victory over Stannis at the Blackwater and the new alliance between House Lannister and House Tyrell, the two houses loyal to King Joffrey I Baratheon have combined their forces. The Hand of the King, Tywin Lannister, sends Lord Randyll Tarly with a sizeable army, composed of men from the stormlands and the Reach, to catch the northern force at Duskendale and throw them back. Tywin also sends Ser Gregor Clegane with westermen to cut off their retreat on the kingsroad.

Battle

Northern participants include Houses Cerwyn, Glover, Hornwood, Karstark, and Tallhart.

The army loyal to House Baratheon of King's Landing includes men from the Reach, the stormlands, and the westerlands. Named participants include Houses Tarly, Leygood, Ambrose, Fossoway of Cider Hall, Fossoway of New Barrel, and Tarly.

Lord Randyll Tarly catches Robett Glover outside of Duskendale and traps him against Blackwater Bay. Ser Helman Tallhart is killed during the fierce battle,

Aftermath

Robett Glover is taken prisoner by Gregor Clegane,

The northern foot is destroyed, which hurts Robb Stark's ability to retake the north. It is later revealed that Roose Bolton had secretly defected to the Lannister side and in his attempt to diminish the northern lords' ability to attack him, he had sent much of the northern army to its destruction.

The northmen are buried in a common grave by the sea marked only by a wooden sign reading "HERE LIE THE WOLVES", while Randyll Tarly's less numerous dead are buried in heroes' tombs beneath the septs of Duskendale. Brienne of Tarth notices many used weapons, armor, and clothing from the battle available for sale at Duskendale's market square.

Quotes

Gods be praised! A great victory for King Joffrey!

- Paxter Redwyne to the small council

Duskendale, on the narrow sea? Why would they go to Duskendale? A third of my foot, lost for Duskendale?

- Robb Stark to Galbart Glover

Robb: Duskendale. Robett Glover will answer for that when I see him, I promise you.
Roose: A folly, but Glover was heedless after he learned that Deepwood Moote had fallen. Grief and fear will do that to a man.

- Robb Stark and Roose Bolton




Annotations from item #46264694:

A battle at Fairmarket was fought during the campaign of Harwyn Hoare, King of the Iron Islands, in the riverlands, which were then ruled by the Storm Kings of House Durrandon.

Contents

Prelude

Harwyn's ironborn defeated first Samwell Rivers and then Lady Agnes Blackwood, being aided in the latter battle by Agnes's rival, Lord Lothar Bracken. The rivermen resistance to the ironborn ended, but King Arrec Durrandon marched from the stormlands with a great host. A score of river lords, including the Brackens, Charltons, Goodbrooks, Paeges, and Vyprens allied with Harwyn in hopes of an independent riverlands. Arrec's stormlanders were thus harassed and denied supplies as they marched north.

Battle

Harwyn met Arrec at Fairmarket on the Blue Fork. Arrec had half again as many stormlanders as Harwyn's ironborn and rivermen, but the former were ill-supplied and tired. Although outnumbered, the longships of the ironborn allowed them to seize the river crossing. Arrec was headstrong and indecisive in the battle, which turned into a shattering defeat for the Durrandons, who lost half their men. Two of Arrec's brothers fell in the fighting, although Arrec was able to escape.

Aftermath

The rivermen were initially joyous after the battle. Instead of restoring them independence, however, Harwyn claimed the riverlands, making him the first King of the Isles and the Rivers.




Annotations from item #46264695:

A battle at Long Lake was fought between the Free Folk (Wildlings) and the Northern forces of House Stark and House Umber.

Contents

Background

Raymun Redbeard, the King-Beyond-the-Wall, united the free folk beyond the Wall. The Night's Watch, whose guard was down, let Raymun's reavers get atop the Wall and throw down ladders for the army waiting beneath. The army of wildlings attacked south of the Wall, causing Lord Willam Stark to leave Winterfell and march north, calling Lord Harmond Umber's banners too.

Battle

Lord Willam and Lord Harmond met Raymun on the shores of Long Lake in the North. Although Raymun beheaded Willam, he was in turn slain by Willam's younger brother, Artos the Implacable, and the wildling force was defeated.

Aftermath

The Night's Watch arrived too late to join the battle. Artos ordered them to dispose of the dead. The Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, Jack Musgood, was known as Sleepy Jack afterwards..




Annotations from item #46264696:

A battle at Rook's Rest took place in the crownlands during the Dance of the Dragons.

Contents

Prelude

Ser Criston Cole, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and the new Hand to King Aegon II Targaryen, devised a more aggressive strategy than his predecessor as Hand, Ser Otto Hightower. Criston's force of greens sacked Duskendale and planned a trap for the blacks at Rook's Rest.

Lord Staunton closed the gates of Rook's Rest, but was unable to prevent Criston from burning his fields or killing his smallfolk and livestock. He asked for assistance from Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen by sending a raven to Dragonstone.

Battle

Nine days later, Rhaenys Targaryen, the Queen Who Never Was, and her dragon, Meleys, the Red Queen, arrived above Rook's Rest to aid Lord Staunton. However, Criston was prepared and had his archers and scorpions fire at Meleys. The dragon was largely unharmed by these attacks, and she responded by burning Criston's soldiers with dragonfire.

Meleys was then attacked by King Aegon II Targaryen atop Sunfyre and Prince Aemond Targaryen atop Vhagar. The aerial combat between the two dragons of the greens and the one dragon of the blacks saw the deaths of Rhaenys and Meleys. However, Aegon suffered severe burns, while his dragon Sunfyre was rendered flightless from the fight with Meleys.

After the deaths of Rhaenys and Meleys, Aemond, Criston, and the surviving greens took Rook's Rest and killed Lord Staunton and his garrison of one hundred soldiers.

Aftermath

The loss of both Rhaenys Targaryen and her dragon, Meleys, was a severe blow to the blacks. Rhaenys's husband, the Sea Snake Corlys Velaryon, was enraged and blamed her death on Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, stating that if the queen or her sons had gone with their dragons, his wife might be alive. The heads of Lord Staunton and Melys were taken to King's Landing.

Ser Criston Cole lost 800 soldiers to Meleys's dragonfire. King Aegon II Targaryen was incapacitated by his burns for a year; Prince Aemond Targaryen became regent while his brother recovered. Aegon's injured dragon, Sunfyre, was left behind and ate carcasses and livestock. Lord Walys Mooton successfully recaptured Rook's Rest for the blacks, then was slain in a failed attempt to kill Sunfyre.




Annotations from item #46264697:

The battle at Stonebridge was one of the first major battles against the Faith Militant during the Faith Militant uprising.

History

Led by Wat the Hewer, a force of nine thousand Poor Fellows marched against the forces of King Maegor I Targaryen. As they attempted to cross the Mander, they were caught between six different royalist hosts. The Poor Fellows were untrained and undisciplined, clad in boiled leather, roughspun, and scraps of rusted steel. Armed largely with woodsmen's axes, sharpened sticks, and farm implements, they did not stand a chance against the knights of the royalist armies. With Wat's forces divided by the river, the Poor Fellows were cut to pieces.




Annotations from item #46264698:

For the later campaign see march on Winterfell.

A battle at Winterfell,.

Contents

Background

With the majority of the northern lords and their hosts fighting in the riverlands and the westerlands of southern Westeros, the north is left relatively undefended. Lord Balon Greyjoy declares himself King of the Isles and the North and orders his longships to take the north by conquest. His son, Theon Greyjoy, is sent to harry the Stony Shore with Dagmer Cleftjaw. After completing this task, the two plot the capture of Winterfell, the ancestral seat of House Stark. Dagmer besieges Torrhen's Square, the seat of the Tallharts, in order to draw out the garrison of Winterfell, leaving the castle lightly defended.

Ser Rodrik Cassel, the castellan of Winterfell, breaks Dagmer's force in the fight at Torrhen's Square. Strengthened by Tallhart men, he marches on Winterfell from Castle Cerwyn.

The Stark army assembled by Rodrik totals less than 2,000 men.

The Battle

Ser Rodrik Cassel and Theon Greyjoy parley in the winter town's market outside the gates of Winterfell. Rodrik demands the ironborn surrender Winterfell, and he promises safe passage for all who were not involved in the murder of children. Theon counters by having a noose put around the neck of Rodrik's daughter, Beth Cassel, and promises to hang her at dusk if he does not retreat, and he will continue to hang hostages at every dawn and dusk until they leave. The parley accomplishes nothing other than terms being given.

Later as the sun sets, a force of roughly 600 Boltons from the Dreadfort arrives and meets Rodrik's Stark army. Believing the Dreadfort men to be reinforcements, Rodrik offers his hand in greeting to their helmeted leader. However, the man takes Rodrik's arm off at the elbow and reveals his identity as that of Ramsay Snow, the Bastard of Lord Bolton. Rodrik thought he had previously killed Ramsay for his crimes against House Hornwood,.

Although outnumbered, the Bolton force under Ramsay attacks the Stark army, leading to fighting in the streets of the winter town. From atop Winterfell's battlements, Theon, Maester Luwin, and Black Lorren watch the Dreadfort men repeatedly wheel and charge the Stark soldiers, preventing them from forming up between the town's burning houses. Cley Cerwyn is killed by an arrow to the eye, and Leobald Tallhart dies as well. While the Stark army is routed and dispersed, Ramsay loses only twenty or thirty of the Dreadfort men.

As the battle winds down, Theon admits Ramsay into Winterfell, and Theon recognizes him as "Reek", who had brought back the Dreadfort's garrison, although Rodrik had slain Reek-disguised-as-Ramsay in the Hornwood. The Bolton men cut down the ironmen, sack the castle, and attack its servants, such as Maester Luwin.

Aftermath

Although the battle at Winterfell is not especially bloody,

According to Ramsay Snow, Theon Greyjoy cut down Rodrik during a parley.

After the fight by Deepwood Motte, Stannis Baratheon's army is joined by Cerwyns, Hornwoods, and Tallharts who survived the battle outside the gates of Winterfell.

Quotes

Kromm: They're fighting. More men came up, hundreds of them, and at first they made to join the others. But now they've fallen on them!

Theon: Is it Asha?

Kromm: No, these are northmen, I tell you. With a bloody man on their banner.

- Kromm and Theon Greyjoy

Theon: Ser Rodrik had you five to one.
Ramsay: Aye, but he thought us friends. A common mistake. When the old fool gave me his hand, I took half his arm instead. Then I let him see my face.

- Theon Greyjoy and Ramsay Snow

War everywhere... each man against his neighbor, and winter coming... such folly, such black mad folly...

- Luwin to Osha




Annotations from item #46264699:

A battle at the Great Fork of the Blackwater Rush was one of many battles fought between King Maegor I Targaryen and the Faith Militant during the Faith Militant uprising.

Contents

Prelude

Thirteen thousand Poor Fellows and two hundred Warrior's Sons, led by Ser Horys Hill, joined nearly seven thousand household knights and feudal levies of a dozen rebel lords from the riverlands and westerlands, led by Lord Rupert Falwell, Alongside Rupert the Fighting Fool rode Ser Lyonel Lorch, Ser Alyn Terrick, Lord Tristifer Wayn, Lord Jon Lychester, and many other puissant knights.

Maegor had a similar number of men, although he had near twice as many armored horse. The king also had numerous longbowmen and his dragon, Balerion.

Battle

The two armies met at the Great Fork of the Blackwater Rush. During the battle, Lord Rupert killed two knights of the Kingsguard, but was himself slain by Lord Mooton of Maidenpool. Despite having been blinded by a sword early on in the battle, Big Jon Hogg led a charge which put the Poor Fellows to flight. King Maegor flew upon Balerion's back during the battle, and despite the rain, the dragon caused many deaths with its flames. The savage battle lasted until nightfall, ending in victory for Maegor.

Notes

  1. With a total strength of twenty thousand men, the contribution of the rebel lords from the riverlands and westerlands was six thousand eight hundred men (twenty thousand minus thirteen thousand Poor Fellows and two hundred Warrior's Sons).



Annotations from item #46264700:

A battle at the Horns of Hazzat occurs during the Targaryen campaign in Slaver's Bay.

Contents

Background

After the fall of Astapor, Daenerys Targaryen leaves a council to rule the city when she continues on to Yunkai. Cleon, a freed slave who worked as a butcher, takes control of Astapor, however, after killing the council.

Although Daenerys forces Yunkai to surrender its slaves, the Wise Masters of Yunkai resume slaving after Daenerys continues north to Meereen. Yunkai begins raising a new army of slave levies and sellswords.

Cleon the Great sends Lord Ghael, a former slave, as an envoy to Daenerys, now Queen of Meereen. She rejects Cleon's offer of marriage and an alliance against Yunkai.

Battle

Without the assistance of Daenerys's soldiers, Cleon meets the Yunkish host in battle at the Horns of Hazzat. Cleon and his inexperienced Unsullied flee in defeat back to his palace in Astapor.

Aftermath

After hearing of Cleon's defeat, Daenerys regrets not coming to his aid at Hazzat. However, Skahaz mo Kandaq reminds her that the Sons of the Harpy would try to take over Meereen if she left her city.




Annotations from item #46264701:

A battle at the Mander occurred in 283 AC near the end of Robert's Rebellion. House Greyjoy achieved a negligible victory over the Shield Islanders at the mouth of the Mander.

Contents

Prelude

Quellon Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Islands, desired neutrality for the ironmen during the civil war. After Pyke was informed of the death of Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen in the Battle of the Trident, however, Quellon was convinced by his eldest sons—Balon, Euron, and Victarion—to join the rebels as soon as possible or else lose all chance at spoils. Quellon led fifty longships in attacking the Reach, who were royalist supporters of House Targaryen. Since the intentions of House Lannister of Casterly Rock were as yet unknown, most of the ironmen's fleet remained at home to guard against the westerlands.

Battle

The Greyjoys raided the coast of the Reach, sinking or capturing some ships and raiding some villages and towns. They were unexpectedly met at the mouth of the Mander by the longships of the Shield Islands, however. Twelve longships were sunk or captured in the battle, with the Greyjoys emerging the victor. The aged Lord Quellon was slain during the fighting, however.

Aftermath

Although the ironmen won the battle, Quellon's eldest son and heir, Balon Greyjoy, decided to return to Pyke to claim the Seastone Chair of the Iron Islands, and the Iron Islands' contribution to Robert's Rebellion was minimal.




Annotations from item #46264702:

The Battle at the Mummer's Ford involves those sent by Lord Eddard Stark, Hand of the King, to arrest Ser Gregor Clegane, the Mountain that Rides, and his forces for crimes committed in the Riverlands.

Contents

Prelude

Lord Tywin Lannister sends Ser Gregor Clegane and others to ravage the countryside in the Riverlands after Catelyn Stark takes Tyrion Lannister prisoner. Lord Hoster Tully sends Ser Marq Piper, Ser Karyl Vance and Ser Raymun Darry to King's Landing to demand justice for the towns that have been pillaged. Lord Eddard Stark, then the King's Hand, obliges, sending out a force under the command of Lord Beric Dondarrion to apprehend Gregor and bring him to justice.

Tywin hopes Ned Stark will lead the force and plans an ambush so he can obtain a hostage to trade for Tyrion. However, Ned's leg is broken by an altercation with Ser Jaime Lannister and he cannot lead himself. Ned passes over the impetuous Ser Loras Tyrell for command, naming Beric to lead the force. With Beric, Ned sends Thoros of Myr, Ser Gladden Wylde and Lord Lothar Mallery, each of whom are to raise 20 men-at-arms, along with 20 Winterfell men (including Alyn and Harwin) to fight alongside them. The force sets out along with Piper and Vance's men, but once word reaches them of the Battle of the Golden Tooth, Marq and Karyl leave on their own to attack the Lannister supply lines and help break Jaime Lannister's siege of Riverrun.

Battle

The force under Beric Dondarrion is intercepted at the Mummer's Ford by forces from House Lannister. They make a fighting retreat only to be taken in the rear by Gregor Clegane and his men. Lothar Mallery, Gladden Wylde and Raymun Darry are all killed, as are most of Lord Eddard's men.

Aftermath

At Moat Cailin, Robb Stark tells his mother, Catelyn Tully, that the Lannisters have won victories at the Golden Tooth and the Mummer's Ford, and that Lord Tywin Lannister has closed off the kingsroad and is marching north towards Harrenhal.

Quotes

I saw the Mountain slay Raymun Darry with a single blow so terrible that it took Darry’s arm off at the elbow and killed the horse beneath him too. Gladden Wylde died there with him, and Lord Mallery was ridden down and drowned. We had lions on every side, and I thought I was doomed with the rest, but Alyn shouted commands and restored order to our ranks, and those still ahorse rallied around Thoros and cut our way free. Six score we’d been that morning. By dark no more than two score were left, and Lord Beric was gravely wounded. Thoros drew a foot of lance from his chest that night, and poured boiling wine into the hole it left.

Harwin

Battle at the Mummer's Ford on the Game of Thrones wiki.




Annotations from item #46264703:

The Battle at the Red Fork was a battle at the crossing of the Red Fork in the western riverlands in 130 AC during the Dance of the Dragons.

Contents

Prelude

A green ally of King Aegon II Targaryen, Lord Jason Lannister led the westermen in attacking the rivermen, many of whom were black supporters of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Battle

The westermen met the rivermen at a crossing of the Red Fork. The river lords were broken in battle, allowing the westermen to invade the riverlands. However, Lord Jason was slain by the squire Pate of Longleaf, henceforth known as Ser Pate the Lionslayer.

Aftermath

Under the command of first Ser Adrian Tarbeck and then Lord Lefford, Jason's host continued east into the riverlands, but they were eventually crushed in the Battle by the Lakeshore. With Jason dead and Casterly Rock in disarray,




Annotations from item #46264704:

The battle at the burning septry occurs in the riverlands during the War of the Five Kings.

Contents

Background

A detachment of Brave Companions, a sellsword company pejoratively called the Bloody Mummers, occupy a settlement in the riverlands containing a septry, mill, brewhouse, and stables. The septry by a small river had previously been looted by other combatants, including Lannister troops.

The lightning lord, Beric Dondarrion, leads the outlaw brotherhood without banners in reprisals against those who harm smallfolk.

Battle

Guarded by Beardless Dick and Mudge, Arya Stark and Gendry observe the battle from a forested ridge overlooking the septry.

The archers Anguy, Kyle, and Notch begin the fighting by slaying three Mummer guards shortly before dawn. The Brave Companions inside the septry are multinational, including a Myrish crossbowman, two Ibbenese, Dothraki, and Volantenes, among others. When the septry is set ablaze by fire arrows, the Mummers charge forth but are met by Beric Dondarrion's brotherhood of outlaws. There is also fighting in the stables. Although Kyle is killed, he is quickly avenged by Lem. Thoros of Myr and Beric both wield flaming swords against the Mummers, and the young Lord Edric Dayne fights by Beric's side. The Brave Companions surrender after a short battle.

Aftermath

Jack-Be-Lucky, Harwin and Merrit o' Moontown rescue eight captive brown brothers from the burning septry before it collapses. The surviving Mummers are taken prisoner, with the exception of two Dothraki whom Beric allows to escape. Utt, the disgraced septon of the Brave Companions, is found hiding beneath the cellar steps. Despite their protests and excuses, Utt and his fellow sellswords are hanged by Beric's outlaws.

The rescued brown brothers host Beric's outlaws at the nearby brewhouse that evening, since the septry has been destroyed.

Quotes

Let them carry the word back to Harrenhal. It will give the Leech Lord and his goat a few more sleepless nights.

- Beric Dondarrion after letting two Mummers escape




Annotations from item #46264705:

The battle beneath the Wall.

Contents

Prelude

Aemon, the maester at Castle Black, sends ravens seeking aid for the Night's Watch after the disastrous fight at the Fist, and Lord Davos Seaworth informs King Stannis Baratheon at Dragonstone.

Having learned that the bulk of the Watch's fighting force has been wiped out at the Fist by Others and their wights, Mance Rayder plans to lead his main host of free folk through the gate in the Wall at Castle Black. He lures the main strength still remaining at the castle away by having smaller raiding parties show up at multiple places at the Wall, leaving Castle Black to be weakly defended.

Donal Noye and Jon Snow repel the attack on Castle Black led by Styr.

Meanwhile, the fleet of Salladhor Saan transports Stannis's army north to Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.

Battle

Battle for the gate

Mance has his host encamped half a mile north from the Wall.

Donal takes two archers and two spearmen with him down the Wall to hold the gate from within the tunnel, leaving Jon Snow in command of the forces above. From atop the Wall, the brothers blindly loose arrows and throw rocks with small catapults. After several hours, one of the trebuchets breaks down, while the free folk down below learn to avoid the places the rocks of the other trebuchet land. They fight blindly all throughout the night.

When the sun has come up, the free folk bring in a ram. The wildling line is centered by a hundred or more mammoths with giants on their backs, and more giants beside them. Horsemen, archers, and men with spears, slings, clubs, and leathern shields march on either side of the giants, and bone chariots from the Frozen Shore make up the flanks. Once they are within range, the black brothers on the Wall rain down arrows and spiked steel caltrops upon them, until the giants who had been carrying the ram are dead or unable to go on. With fire arrows and barrels of burning oil the advancing host is scared into retreating, giving the day's victory to the Night's Watch.

Despite the successful defense of the Night's Watch, the giants below manage to break the outer door of studded oak of the gate. Mag Mar Tun Doh Weg crawls through, withstanding the arrows and reaching the iron gate behind the men of the Night's Watch were standing. Of the five below, Donal is the last defender to die, either killing or mortally wounding Mag in the process by stabbing him in the throat with his sword. Donal dies when the giant crushes his spine.

Jon, Pypar, Maester Aemon, and Clydas enter the tunnel after the battle is over, finding the five dead brothers and the dead giant. Beyond the tunnel, they find the carcass of a dead mammoth partially blocking the entrance, and three more dead giants outside. Jon suggests blocking up the tunnel up to the second gate with rubble, ice, and anything else they can find. However, when he proclaims that Ser Wynton Stout, the last knight remaining at Castle Black, should take over command, Aemon informs him that Wynton is no longer able to do so, and that command has passed to Jon himself.

The turtle

The struggle continues for many days afterwards.[N 1] During that time, the Night's Watch runs low of supplies. They have no more oil or barrels of pitch, and are soon to run out of arrows as well. When they receive news from Ser Denys Mallister about the fight at the Bridge of Skulls, Jon dispatches Zei to Mole's Town to plead with the villagers to aid the black brothers at the Wall. When she fails to return, Jon sends Mully after her, who returns to tell them that the entire village has been deserted.

During that time, the free folk construct a “turtle” to breach the gate. Its layers protect the turtle from fire arrows shot down by the Watch, making Jon realize that they can only stop it by crushing it once it is close enough. Together with Grenn, Owen the Oaf, and Kegs, Jon pushes four of the dozen stout oaken barrels full of crushed rock submerged in frozen water off of the Wall as the wildlings begin to clear away the dead giants. They succeed in splintering the front of the turtle, and the free folk beneath it flee.

Jon's arrest and parley

Ser Alliser Thorne, who had been sent to King's Landing by Jeor Mormont, the late Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, returns to Castle Black from Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, bringing with him Janos Slynt and some reinforcements from Eastwatch. Janos takes over command at Castle Black and has Jon taken into custody, accusing him of desertion. Janos and Alliser bring forth Rattleshirt,

Janos has Jon taken out of the ice cell four days later, proclaiming that Mance requested a parley, asking the Night's Watch to send him an envoy. Alliser and Janos select Jon, with the secret command of killing Mance once Jon has reached the camp. Jon is brought beyond the Wall by the use of the winch cage, and is met by Tormund on his slow way to Mance's tent. Mance waits outside his tent, attended by Harma and Varamyr Sixskins, but agrees to speak with Jon privately in his tent. He reveals that Varamyr, through Orell's eagle, has seen how few men of the Night's Watch remain, and he shows Jon the Horn of Winter, admitting that it is not his desire to sound the horn and have the Wall fall, as he wishes to use the Wall to protect his people from the Others. In the presence of his wife Dalla and her sister Val, Mance informs Jon that he will give the Night's Watch the horn if he and his people are allowed to pass through the gate, but insists that his people will not yield to the laws of the south. If the Night's Watch refuses the offer, Mance will have Tormund sound the horn at dawn three days later.

Battle beneath the Wall

The southron knights of Stannis Baratheon sweep down upon the wildlings.© FFG

While contemplating whether to kill Mance now or return to the Wall to bring his offer before his superiors, Jon and Mance are interrupted by the sound of a warhorn, alerting them of something coming towards them, first only from the east, but later also from the north. Mance immediately orders their defenses up, but a combined force of rangers from Eastwatch and the southron knights of Stannis Baratheon sweep down upon the camp.

Stannis's knights wash over the wildlings. The red priestess Melisandre burns Varamyr's eagle, taking out the skinchanger as he falls to the ground in pain. As battle is joined, Dalla goes into labor, with only Val and Jon to assist her. Harma Dogshead is killed in battle,

Aftermath

Mance Rayder is captured and imprisoned by the forces of Stannis Baratheon,

The Night's Watch, having been without a lord commander since the death of Jeor Mormont during the mutiny at Craster's Keep, start the vote for Jeor's successor.

Stannis sends word to Ser Rolland Storm, his castellan at Dragonstone, to begin mining dragonglass for use in fighting the Others.

The wildlings who escaped capture flee into the haunted forest.

Quotes

The Wall was too big to be stormed by any conventional means; too high for ladders or siege towers, too thick for battering rams. No catapult could throw a stone large enough to breach it, and if you tried to set it on fire, the icemelt would quench the flames. You could climb over, as the raiders did near Greyguard, but only if you were strong and fit and sure-handed, and even then you might end up like Jarl, impaled on a tree. They must take the gate, or they cannot pass.

—thoughts of Jon Snow

The Wall will stop them. The Wall will stop them. The Wall defends itself. Mance wants to unman us with his numbers. Does he think we're stupid? The chariots, the horsemen, all those fools on foot ... what are they going to do to us up here? Any of you ever see a mammoth climb a wall? They're nothing, they're less use than our straw brothers here, they can't reach us, they can't hurt us, and they don't frighten us, do they?

Jon Snow to the Night's Watch

And through the smoke another wedge of armored riders came, on barded horses. Floating above them were the largest banners yet, royal standards as big as sheets; a yellow one with long pointed tongues that showed a flaming heart, and another like a sheet of beaten gold, with a black stag prancing and rippling in the wind. Robert, Jon thought for one mad moment, remembering poor Owen, but when the trumpets blew again and the knights charged, the name they cried was "Stannis! Stannis! STANNIS!"

—thoughts of Jon Snow

Notes

  1. Although the amount of days is unknown, *A Storm of Swords*, Jon XI starts at least four days later, if not more.



Annotations from item #46264706:

The Battle by the Bloody Pool was fought in the stormlands. The Storm King Durran the Young was said to have dammed the river Slayne with Dornish corpses after turning back Yoren Yronwood and Wylla of Wyl.




Annotations from item #46264707:

The Battle by the Lakeshore, called the Fishfeed by its participants, was a battle along the shores of the Gods Eye in the riverlands during the Dance of the Dragons.

Contents

Prelude

During the Dance of the Dragons, House Lannister of the westerlands supported the greens, while House Stark of the north and most of the disorganized lords of the riverlands supported the blacks. Lord Jason Lannister led an army eastward in support of Aegon II Targaryen, but Jason was killed by Pate of Longleaf in the Battle at the Red Fork.

Battle

When the westermen reached the western shore of the lake called the Gods Eye, Lord Lefford discovered he was opposed by Lord Roderick Dustin with two thousand Winter Wolves, Lord Forrest Frey with two hundred knights and six hundred infantrymen, and Red Robb Rivers with three hundred archers. The westermen were quickly faced with another threat from the south, when Longleaf the Lionslayer arrived with survivors from previous battles in the war, as well as the lords of Houses Bigglestone, Chambers, and Perryn. The cautious Lefford sent ravens to nearby Harrenhal to seek assistance from Prince Aemond Targaryen, but Robb Rivers shot down the dozen ravens.

The blacks received further reinforcement with the arrival of more river lords the following day, including Ser Garibald Grey, Lord Jon Charlton, and Lord Ben Blackwood.

The army of westermen were attacked at dawn the next morning. The Winter Wolves led the attack, charging the Lannister spearmen five times. Attacked by the blacks from three sides, the Lannister soldiers were forced into the Gods Eye. Many died fighting amongst the lake's reeds, while others drowned trying to escape.

Aftermath

Two thousand soldiers were killed in the Battle by the Lakeshore, making it the bloodiest land battle of the war. The high number of casualties led to it also being called the Fishfeed. The blacks lost Lords Frey, Bigglestone, and Charlton, while two thirds of the northern soldiers were killed or wounded. The greens lost their commander, Lord Lefford, as well as Lords Swyft and Reyne and the knights Clarent Crakehall and Tyler Hill.

In response to the greens' crushing defeat, Prince Aemond and Ser Criston Cole abandoned Harrenhal, with Aemond waging guerilla war atop Vhagar and Criston heading south to find Lord Ormund Hightower.




Annotations from item #46264708:

Battle fever is a euphoric feeling of fearlessness and invincibility, almost akin to feeling drunk, which comes over a warrior fighting in battle. Tyrion Lannister experiences the battle fever for the first time as he leads his troop into the fray of the Battle of the Blackwater.

Tyrion had never thought to experience the battle fever himself, though his brother Jaime had told him of it often enough. As he wields his axe he feels drunk and recalls what Jaime had told him,

How time seemed to blur and slow and even stop, how the past and the future vanished until there was noting but the instant, how fear fled, and thought fled, and even your body. “You don’t feel your wounds then, or the ache in your back from the weight of the armour, or the sweat running down into your eyes. You stop feeling, you stop thinking, you stop being you, there is only the fight, the foe, this man and then the next and the next and the next, and you know they are afraid and tired but you’re not, you’re alive, and death is all around you but their swords move so slowly, and you can dance through them laughing."

Quotes

As the singers tell it, Lord Roderick was blood from head to heel as he came on, with splintered shield and cracked helm, yet so drunk with battle that he did not even seem to feel his wounds.

- Archmaester Gyldayn writing of the First Battle of Tumbleton

Battle fever. I am half a man and drunk with slaughter, let them kill me if they can!

- Tyrion Lannister, overcome with battle fever as he enters the fray




Annotations from item #46264709:

The Battle for the Dawn was a legendary battle against the Others which marked the end of the Long Night during the Age of Heroes..

History

In the midst of the darkness of the Long Night, the Others emerged from the far north, wielding razor-thin swords of ice and raising the dead to fight the living. The children of the forest and their allies, the First Men, fought against them, but were driven southwards by their advance.

According to the song "The Night That Ended", the first members of the Night's Watch rode against the Others and drove them back north in the Battle for the Dawn.




Annotations from item #46264710:

The Battle in the Howling Hills was fought in the Howling Hills of eastern Essos. The last of the Jhogwin are said to have been slain in the battle by Gharak Squint-Eye of the Jogos Nhai.




Annotations from item #46264711:

The battle in the Whispering Wood,

Contents

Prelude

Ser Jaime Lannister smashes the river lords' forces at the Golden Tooth and Riverrun, capturing the heir to the riverlands, Ser Edmure Tully, and many of his knights.

Unknown to Jaime, Robb Stark has forged an alliance with Walder Frey, Lord of the Crossing, securing passage over the Green Fork of the Trident.

The Battle

Robb sends Brynden with a few hundred men carrying Tully banners to raid and draw Jaime from his camp at Riverrun. Expecting to crush a small force, Jaime and most of his cavalry are lured north of the Tumblestone to a forested valley where the rest of Robb's men are hidden.

Once all of Jaime's unsuspecting men have entered the valley, the Mormonts sound horns to signal the moonlit trap has been sprung, followed by Umbers, Mallisters, Freys, and Karstarks. Jaime's horsemen are attacked by bowmen hidden in the trees by Robb, and the Young Wolf and northern bannermen lead their own cavalry against the ambushed westermen. Robb is joined in the fighting by his direwolf, Grey Wind.

When Jaime sees the battle is lost, he rallies his retainers and attempts to cut his way through the host to slay Robb in single combat. He is halted, but not before slaying Daryn Hornwood, Eddard Karstark and Torrhen Karstark of Robb's personal guard.

Aftermath

Ser Jaime Lannister is captured © FFG

Catelyn, Robb, the Greatjon, and Jaime after the Whispering Wood - by Mathia Arkoniel©

According to Theon Greyjoy, the Lannisters lose ten men for every one of Robb's that falls.

The capture of Jaime leaves the Lannister army surrounding Riverrun leaderless, leading directly to its disintegration at the Battle of the Camps and leaving Lord Tywin Lannister and Queen Cersei Lannister despondent. Having Jaime as a hostage, and recognizing his value as a prisoner, the Starks gain enormous bargaining power. The deaths of Eddard and Torrhen Karstark by Jaime's hand plant a seed of vengeance in the heart of their father, Lord Rickard Karstark, however.

Quotes

My lady, the realm has not seen such a victory since the Field of Fire. I vow, the Lannisters lost ten men for every one of ours that fell.

- Theon Greyjoy to Catelyn Stark

Your brother defeated my uncle Jaime. My mother says it was treachery and deceit. She wept when she heard.

- Joffrey Baratheon to Sansa Stark

How could it happen? Ser Jaime taken, the siege broken ... this is a catastrophe!

- Harys Swyft to Tywin Lannister's war council

Some tried to flee, but we'd pinched the valley shut at both ends, and we rode out of the darkness with sword and lance. The Lannisters must have thought the Others themselves were on them when that wolf of Robb's got in among them. I saw him tear one man’s arm from his shoulder, and their horses went mad at the scent of him. I couldn't tell you how many men were thrown...

- Theon Greyjoy to Riverrun's garrison

Notes

  1. To the left Robb Stark's force.
  2. "Here was the call of Maege Mormont's warhorn, a long low blast that rolled down the valley from the east."
  3. "To east and west, the trumpets of the Mallisters and Freys blew vengeance."
  4. "North, where the valley narrowed and bent like a cocked elbow, Lord Karstark's warhorns added their own deep, mournful voices to the dark chorus."
  5. Across the valley to the far ridge, [Catelyn Stark] saw the Greatjon's riders emerge from the darkness beneath the trees.
  6. See the The War of the Five Kings calculations.
  7. House Flint of Widow's Watch is not directly mentioned at this battle. However as they were a part of Robb's host that gathered in the North, it can be assumed they were present at subsequent battles in the riverlands and westerlands.
  8. House Slate is not directly mentioned at this battle. However it is stated by Lady Dustin that the Slates campaigned in the riverlands & westerlands with Robb Stark. Therefore it can be assumed that Slates were present at this battle.



Annotations from item #46264712:

A battle in the hills below the Golden Tooth.

Contents

Prelude

Ser Edmure Tully finds out that the Lannisters are raising a host at Casterly Rock. With Lord Hoster Tully ill, Edmure sends riders to the Rock, demanding that Lord Tywin Lannister proclaim his intent. Meanwhile, he starts raising a host at Riverrun and sends Lord Vance of Wayfarer's Rest and Lord Clement Piper of Pinkmaiden to guard the pass below the Golden Tooth, to prevent any Lannister armies from entering the riverlands.

Tywin dispatches Ser Gregor Clegane to raid the villages along the Red Fork, and Gregor circumvents the Tully forces below the Golden Tooth. In response Edmure further divides his forces, sending men to every village and holdfast within a day's ride of the border. Lord Eddard Stark, the Hand of the King, fears this will weaken the defence of the riverlands.

Battle

Not much is known much about the battle, but the attack seems to have been devastating. Ser Jaime Lannister, commanding the Lannister forces, descends on the outnumbered rivermen and breaks them. Lord Vance is slain during the fight and Lord Piper retreats back to Riverrun with the remnants of his forces, with Jaime following on his heels. Meanwhile, Tywin brings another Lannister army up from the south.

Aftermath

The rout of the rivermen beneath the Golden Tooth allows Jaime to then fight the battle under the walls of Riverrun.




Annotations from item #46264713:

The battle in the ice is an upcoming battle between the forces of Stannis Baratheon and the forces of Ramsay Bolton. It is set to take place at the start of *The Winds of Winter, the as-yet-unpublished sixth book of *A Song of Ice and Fire.

Contents

Prelude

At Castle Black, Stannis Baratheon secures the support of Arnolf Karstark, the castellan of Karhold, but finds himself unable to convince others to join their strength to his.

Lord Bolton arrives in the north with a girl he claims to be Arya Stark, the youngest daughter of the late Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell. In reality, however, the girl is Jeyne Poole, the daughter of Vayon Poole, the former steward of Winterfell.

At Winterfell, the forces Roose Bolton has gathered—consisting of Houses Ryswell, Dustin, Frey, Cerwyn, Hornwood, Manderly, and part of House Umber—suffer from divided loyalties, infighting, and a series of mysterious murders, which cause tension in the castle between the Freys, Boltons, Manderlys, and other northern houses. At first, Theon Greyjoy is suspected to be the murderer, but that idea is quickly dismissed by Roose, who declares Theon to be too broken and weak to have carried out the deeds.

At Castle Black, the red priestess Melisandre sees a grey girl on a dying horse in her flames. Bbelieving the girl to be Arya Stark, Lord Commander Jon Snow's younger half-sister, she enlists the help of Mance Rayder, the former King-beyond-the-Wall, to rescue the girl.

Theon and Jeyne—believed by Roose's host to be Arya—leap from Winterfell shortly before the Freys and Manderlys leave Winterfell, and the pair are found by Mors Umber beneath the walls of the castle. They are brought to the village where Stannis and his army remain by Tycho Nestoris, a Braavosi banker searching for Stannis. Stannis is informed of Arnolf's planned treachery, and arrests him, his son Arthor, and his three grandsons.

Because it has been snowing severely, the men on the battlefields of Winterfell cannot see anyone beneath the walls, giving Mors Umber and his green boys the chance to dig pits outside the gates. Next, they blow their horns to lure their enemies out.

Battle

Aftermath

At Castle Black, Lord Commander Jon Snow receives a letter, supposedly written by Ramsay Bolton, which claims that Stannis is dead and his army is broken. Though it is unknown if the letter's contents are true or if it was indeed written by Ramsay, it galvanizes Lord Commander Snow into breaking with tradition of the Night's Watch and forming an army of volunteers—black brothers and free folk alike—to march on Winterfell and defeat the Boltons. Jon is attacked in the mutiny at Castle Black, however.

Notes

  1. Described by Cersei Lannister as a force of two thousand strong (*A Feast for Crows, Jaime II), while judged by Theon Greyjoy to consist of four hundred knights, with "at least a thousand, maybe more" foot soldiers (including bowmen and spearmen) and light cavalry (including freeriders and mounted bowmen), supported by another hundred knights (A Dance with Dragons*, Reek II).
  2. Arnolf Karstark had brought four hundred and fifty men with him ("a son, three grandsons, four hundred spears, two score archers, and a dozen mounted lances") to Stannis's host in collaboration with Roose, with the intention of turning on Stannis's host in favor of Roose as soon as the battle begins. Upon learning of Arnolf's planned treachery, Stannis has Arnolf and his family members arrested, and his men disarmed. However, he believes the soldiers likely did not know of the plan, and as such might decide to use them in battle.
  3. Stannis had come north with no more than fifteen hundred men from the south (*A Dance with Dragons, Davos III), men-at-arms and knights from the remnants of his troops who had fought on the Blackwater. He left eighty-three southron men-at-arms at the Wall (fifty at Castle Black to guard Melisandre, twelve at Castle Black to guard Queen Selyse and Princess Shireen, ten at Icemark, and ten at Greyguard, and Ser Axell Florent) (A Dance with Dragons*, Jon IX), and lost a small amount of men in the Battle at Castle Black, putting his southron knights and men-at-arms at around fourteen hundred. In contrast to his enemies, Stannis's army has little to no cavalry; his southrons started with eight hundred horses, but all but a few dozen of them died or were eaten during the March on Winterfell (The Sacrifice).
  4. When marching on Winterfell, Stannis has an army of five thousand men strong (*A Dance with Dragons, Jon VII and The Turncloak). He had come north with no more than fifteen hundred men from the south (A Dance with Dragons, Davos III). He left eighty-three southron men-at-arms at the Wall (fifty at Castle Black to guard Melisandre, twelve at Castle Black to guard Queen Selyse and Princess Shireen, ten at Icemark, and ten at Greyguard, and Ser Axell Florent), and had lost a small amount of men in the Battle at Castle Black (A Dance with Dragons, Jon IX), putting his southron knights and men-at-arms at around fourteen hundred. The remainder of his force is made up of the mountain clans, House Mormont, House Glover, men once sworn to Houses Hornwood, Cerwyn, and Tallhart, and smallfolk who had fled from the ironborn (A Dance with Dragons, Jon VII). According to Jon Snow, the mountain clans would provide 2,000 to 3,000 men (A Dance with Dragons*, Jon IV) clad in animal hides and mostly wielding sticks and slings, indicating that the other 600 to 1,600 men have been provided by the Houses Mormont, Glover, Hornwood, Cerwyn, and Tallhart, and smallfolk.
  5. It is said that Hother Umber has half of the remaining strength of House Umber with him at the side of the Boltons, while Mors Umber has the other half with him on the side of Stannis Baratheon (*A Dance with Dragons, Jon VII). Hother is known to have brought four hundred men with him to the siege of Moat Cailin (A Dance with Dragons*, Davos II), meaning that Mors has about four hundred men with him.



Annotations from item #46264714:

A battle in the waters off Gulltown was a major naval battle during Aegon's Conquest. It resulted in the failure of the invasion of the Vale of Arryn and the destruction of both Arryn and Targaryen fleets.

Contents

Prelude

Aegon Targaryen, Lord of Dragonstone, made known his intentions of conquering Westeros and unifying the Seven Kingdoms under his rule. Sharra Arryn, Queen Regent for her son, Ronnel Arryn, the King of Mountain and Vale, sent a portrait of herself to Aegon and offered her hand in marriage with the condition Aegon would make Ronnel his heir, but Aegon refused.

Battle

After being crowned at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush, King Aegon sent his fleet commanded by Daemon Velaryon to take Gulltown, the city of the Vale of Arryn. Daemon was accompanied by Aegon's sister, Visenya Targaryen.

The Targaryen and Arryn fleets met in the waters off Gulltown. The Arryns were able to destroy the Targaryen fleet and Daemon was killed. Visenya's dragon, Vhagar, burned the Arryn fleet in response. The battle was a tactical draw since both fleets were destroyed, but a strategic defeat for the Targaryens since they were unable to take Gulltown.

Aftermath

Though the Targaryens lost the battle, the Sistermen on the Three Sisters revolted against House Arryn after the destruction of its fleet and named Marla Sunderland their queen.




Annotations from item #46264715:

A battle near Yunkai occurs between the forces of Daenerys Targaryen and Yunkai in Slaver's Bay.

Contents

Prelude

Following the fall of Astapor, Daenerys Targaryen marches north along the coast of Slaver's Bay, towards the coastal city of Yunkai, the second great slaver city.

The Yunkish host holds the middle with a 4,000 strong infantry slave army, supported by two mounted sellsword companies in the flanks: the Stormcrows on the left and the Second Sons on the right. Both companies have about 500 men each.

Daenerys's host numbers 10,000 Unsullied and several thousand ill-trained armed freedmen. Her forces are stronger both numerically and qualitatively and could easily defeat the Yunkai army. Nevertheless Daenerys, worrying about the cost, extends an invitation to the slavers and the leaders of the sellsword companies to meet with her separately, trying to turn the sellswords over to her side and lure the Wise Masters of Yunkai to release the city's slaves without a fight.

Speaking for the Stormcrows' captains, Prendahl na Ghezn angrily rejects Daenerys's offer to change allegiance. Mero of the Second Sons is willing to take the offer back to his own captains, so Daenerys gifts him a wagon full of wine. Grazdan mo Eraz of Yunkai offers a bribe to Daenerys to leave but is refused.

The battle plan is outlined by Daenerys to her advisors: a surprise attack on both enemy flanks by the Unsullied, led by their captain, Grey Worm, and Ser Jorah Mormont, the commander of her army. Her *kos*—Aggo, Jhogo, and Rakharo—are to lead her mounted warriors of about 30 men in wedge formation against the enemy center. Arstan Whitebeard and Strong Belwas are held back to guard her pavilion during the battle.

Near midnight the Unsullied catch Daario Naharis of the Stormcrows approaching the camp. He reveals he has killed the other captains, Prendahl and Sallor the Bald, and he surrenders the Stormcrows over to her. He pledges his sword and Daenerys accepts, aware that she risks being betrayed. Before he returns to his men, he is told to attack the Yunkish in the rear when the attack begins.

Battle

The attack is launched a few hours after midnight, and the Stormcrows attack the enemy in the rear, as promised. The Second Sons are too drunk from wine to fight and are unable to support the slave army. Surrounded from all directions, the Yunkish troops break and throw down their weapons, while the sellswords yield.

Almost 200 Yunkish infantry are killed and the rest are taken captive. The Second Sons suffer light casualties, but their captain Mero flees when he realizes that the Stormcrows have betrayed them. Daenerys Targaryen's losses are minimal, with only a dozen men.

Aftermath

Yunkai surrenders and gives in to Daenerys Targaryen's demands, freeing all the slaves and allowing each of them whatever wealth they can carry from the Wise Masters. In return they are allowed to remained in control of the city, which also remains unsacked. The freed slaves swell the ranks of Daenerys's freedmen and cement her reputation as the "Mother" among her followers. She proceeds to Meereen, the last great slaver city.

As their wealth remains mostly untouched, the Wise Masters of Yunkai are able to hire other sellsword companies and send envoys to Qarth, Mantarys, Elyria, Tolos, New Ghis and Volantis, forming an alliance to cast Daenerys down and restore the slave trade that her campaign has affected.




Annotations from item #46264716:

The Battle of Ashford

Contents

Prelude

With the stormlands united behind him following the battles at Summerhall, Lord Robert Baratheon left his brother Stannis to hold Storm's End and advanced west to Ashford..

Battle

The battle occurred when the van of the Tyrell army under command of Lord Randyll Tarly ran into Lord Robert Baratheon's forces. Randyll's forces overran Robert's army, and Robert was forced to withdraw from the field before the main force of the Tyrell host had joined the battle.

Lord Cafferen, a former Targaryen loyalist who had joined the rebels after his defeat at Summerhall, was cut down by Randyll whilst fighting for Robert. Randyll had his head sent to King Aerys II Targaryen..

Aftermath

The result of the battle was marked by Tyrion Lannister as inconclusive, thus it is likely the battle was not very large and Robert's forces remained relatively intact..




Annotations from item #46264717:

The Battle of Bitter River was a great battle fought at the Bitter River in the riverlands during the Andal invasion.

Battle

The ancient rival Houses Blackwood and Bracken allied together to oppose the Andals. According to song, the First Men were shattered by 777 charging Andal knights, who were accompanied by seven septons, as seven is a holy number in the Faith of the Seven.




Annotations from item #46264718:

The Battle of Bronzegate, fought near Bronzegate in the northern stormlands during the Andal invasion, was one of the greatest victories of House Durrandon against the Andals. King Monfryd V Durrandon defeated the Holy Brotherhood of the Andals, an alliance of seven Andal warlords and petty kings, but at the cost of his own life.




Annotations from item #46264719:

The Battle of Castle Black is a fan-given name for the struggle which takes place at Castle Black along the Wall in the north during the conflict beyond the Wall. The struggle contains two battles: the attack on Castle Black and the battle beneath the Wall.

Contents

Prelude

Having learned that the bulk of the Watch's fighting force has been wiped out in the fight at the Fist by the Others, Mance Rayder plans to weaken the strength of the brothers of the Night's Watch who still remain at the Wall. He sends out several smaller raiding parties to confuse the black brothers. When Mance's diversionary force strikes hard in the west, Lord Steward Bowen Marsh marshals his forces and takes the bait, taking the remaining fighting men with him, leaving only the old, the green, and the sickly behind to defend Castle Black. Bowen leaves the infirm Ser Wynton Stout as castellan, although the blacksmith Donal Noye takes de facto leadership due to Stout's senility.

As part of Mance's plan, a group of raiders under the command of Styr, the Magnar of Thenn, and Jarl scale the Wall and travel through the Gift, planning on attacking the weakly defended Castle Black from the south.

Attack on Castle Black

Main article: Attack on Castle Black

Under the command of Styr, the Magnar of Thenn, and Jarl a force of a hundred Thenns and twenty of Jarl's raiders climb the Wall near Greyguard.

Styr leads his warriors off of the Wall at Greyguard, an abandoned castle of the Night's Watch where the presence of huge stone steps improve the descent. From there, the group goes deeply into the Gift.

The battle starts at night when Thenn warriors reach Castle Black. The battle is a near thing, and the Night’s Watch is forced to use a trap: they set the lower portion of the great wooden stairs, soaked in oil, ablaze. The stair is destroyed and the fire melts parts of the Wall, which fall down upon Styr and his men, killing them.

Battle beneath the Wall

Main article: Battle beneath the Wall

Mance assembles his host beyond the tree line across from the gate at Castle Black and starts his assaults. The Night's Watch withstands numerous attacks on their gate, including one led by giants mounted on mammoths, bringing a ram,

While Jon is at Mance’s camp, rangers from Eastwatch, led by Cotter Pyke, and the southern host of King Stannis Baratheon arrive, taking Mance Rayder's host in the flank. The wildling host gives battle, but after Mance’s horse is killed and falls, they break and run.

Aftermath

Jake Murray. © Fantasy Flight Games.

The brothers of the Night’s Watch start the election of their new Lord Commander. It takes them ten days. Meanwhile, Stannis Baratheon decides to remain at Castle Black, where he occupies the King's Tower.

The wildlings who have escaped capture have fled into the haunted forest.




Annotations from item #46264720:

The Battle of Crookwater was fought in the stormlands in ancient days when House Durrandon was expanding its power from Storm's End. Lun the Last, King of the Giants, was killed by the Storm King Durran the Dour during the battle.




Annotations from item #46264721:

The Battle of Lann's Point was a battle in which House Lannister fought ironborn at Lann's Point. Lancel IV Lannister, King of the Rock, is said to have beheaded King Harrald Halfdrowned, as well as Harrald's heir, with a single stroke of his Valyrian steel sword, Brightroar.




Annotations from item #46264722:

The Battle of Oxcross, who is killed.

Contents

Prelude

After the battle in the Whispering Wood and the Battle of the Camps, Robb Stark, the new King in the North, sends Ser Cleos Frey as an envoy to King's Landing with a peace offer for Queen Cersei Lannister. In case the offer is rejected, Robb sends Theon Greyjoy to treat with his father Balon, Lord of the Iron Islands, for an alliance to assault the westerlands from both land and sea. Meanwhile, Lord Tywin Lannister tasks his cousin, Ser Stafford Lannister, with training a new Lannister army at Casterly Rock. With the main Lannister army in the riverlands, this new army could be used to attack Robb's host from two fronts.

Robb marches to deal with the forming threat as Stafford trains his fresh recruits, believed to be sellswords, freeriders, and boys from the stews of Lannisport.

Robb's host invades the westerlands by avoiding the Golden Tooth, the strong castle at the border, through a previously-unknown goat track found by his direwolf, Grey Wind.

Battle

Stafford trains the inexperienced recruits near the village of Oxcross, within three days ride from Lannisport. Thinking himself safe in his own lands, Stafford does not bother to set sentries. During the night, Robb sends men to cut the lines that hold Stafford's horses. When Robb sets loose Grey Wind, the horses are maddened by the scent and trample tents and men alike while trying to flee. With confusion sending Lannister men fleeing everywhere, Robb sends his own cavalry. The battle is more a rout then a real encounter, as the untrained and surprised Lannister army fail to put up much resistance.

Stafford is slain by Lord Rickard Karstark while running after his horse.

Aftermath

The Lannister army's defeat is so great that, according to rumor, Robb cut out Stafford's heart and fed it to Grey Wind. Remnants fall back to Lannisport, where Stafford's son, Ser Daven Lannister, reforms them.

Lord Tywin, having heard of the defeat at Oxcross, and feeling confident that Stannis Baratheon laying siege to Storm's End means a secure southern front,

The singer Rymund the Rhymer composes a tune commemorating the northern victory, "Wolf in the Night".

Remembering his uncle Stafford's mistake, Ser Jaime Lannister sets sentries himself while at Hayford.

Quotes

Using some vile sorcery, your brother fell upon Ser Stafford Lannister with an army of wargs, not three days ride from Lannisport. Thousands of good men were butchered as they slept, without the chance to lift sword. After the slaughter, the northmen feasted on the flesh of the slain.

- Lancel Lannister to Sansa Stark

Do not take Oxcross too much to heart, my lady. A battle is not a war, and my lord father is assuredly not my uncle Stafford.

- Tyrion Lannister to Sansa Stark

Martyn: There's some say that after the battle, the king cut out Stafford Lannister's heart and fed it to the wolf.
Catelyn: I would not believe such tales. My son is no savage.

- Martyn Rivers and Catelyn Stark

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Houses Flint of Flint's Finger, Hornwood, Manderly & Mollen are not directly mentioned at this battle. However as they were all a part of Robb's host that took part in the earlier battles at the Whispering Wood and the Camps, and as Robb takes most of his host with him into the westerlands, it can be assumed these houses were present with Robb throughout his westerlands campaign as well.
  2. House Flint of Widow's Watch is not directly mentioned at this battle. However as they were a part of Robb's host that gathered in the North, it can be assumed they were present at subsequent battles in the riverlands and westerlands.
  3. House Slate is not directly mentioned at this battle. However it is stated by Lady Barbrey Dustin that the Slates campaigned in the riverlands & westerlands with Robb Stark. Therefore it can be assumed that Slates were present at this battle.
  4. Robb has six thousand at the earlier battle in the Whispering Wood.



Annotations from item #46264723:

The Battle of Six Kings was a battle fought near the Teats in the riverlands prior to the War of Conquest. It led to the riverlands being added to the domains of the Storm Kings from the stormlands.

History

When Humfrey I Teague, the pious King of the Rivers and the Hills, began to repress worship of the old gods, Lord Roderick Blackwood of Raventree Hall rose in rebellion, followed by House Vance of Atranta and House Tully of Riverrun. Supported by the Faith Militant, Humfrey's loyalists were on the verge of defeating the rebels. Roderick sought help from the Storm King Arlan III Durrandon, with whom he was related by marriage. Arlan desired to restore the riverlands to the Blackwoods, who had ruled as kings in the Age of Heroes.

Leading a great host of stormlanders across the Blackwater Rush, Arlan defeated the loyalists in several battles and was able to relieve the siege of Raventree. The bloody final battle took place in an afternoon between the Mother's Teats, during which the stormlanders extinguished the line of House Teague. Humfrey died first, followed by his sons Humfrey II, Hollis, and Tyler, and finally his brother, Damon, all of whom briefly ruled as a river king. Other casualties were Roderick Blackwood, Elston Tully, and Lords Bracken, Darry, Smallwood, Vance of Atranta, and Vance of Wayfarer's Rest, although it is unknown if they died in the final battle or earlier in the campaign.

The battle became known as the Battle of Six Kings, for the five kings from House Teague and Arlan the Storm King. Roderick Blackwood's heir was a boy of only eight, and Arlan distrusted Roderick's brothers. He considered crowning Roderick's eldest child, Shiera Blackwood, and having her rule with his own son from House Durrandon, but the river lords refused to be ruled by a woman. Instead, Arlan chose to add the riverlands to the realm of the Storm Kings.




Annotations from item #46264724:

The Battle of Summerfield was a battle between the forces of House Durrandon of the Stormlands and House Gardener of the Reach which took place before Aegon's Conquest. Garse VII Gardener, King of the Reach, was killed by the Storm King Argilac the Arrogant during the battle.




Annotations from item #46264725:

The Battle of Three Armies was a battle between House Gardener of the Reach and an alliance of House Durrandon of the stormlands and House Lannister of the Rock.

History

In his last and greatest war, King Garth VII Gardener of the Reach faced an alliance between the Storm King and the King of the Rock, who intended to divide the Reach between them. Garth defeated them both, and then with cunning words he sowed such discord between the two kings that they turned on each other with great slaughter. In the aftermath Garth married his daughters to their heirs and signed a pact with each, thereby fixing the borders between their three kingdoms.




Annotations from item #46264726:

The Battle of Wendwater Bridge was the decisive battle along the Wendwater during the Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion.

History

Daemon III Blackfyre and the Golden Company of Aegor Rivers landed at Massey's Hook. The rebellion had little support, however, as people thought the Blackfyres to be done, as tattered as their banners. Accompanied by his three sons, Princes Duncan, Jaehaerys, and Daeron, King Aegon V led the loyalists of House Targaryen.

The Blackfyres suffered a shattering defeat in the Battle of Wendwater Bridge, with their casualties filling the river and Daemon slain by Ser Duncan the Tall of Aegon's Kingsguard. The loyalists lost less than a hundred men, but they included Ser Tion Lannister. Daemon's ally, Aegor, retreated across the narrow sea again, and the war was quickly over.




Annotations from item #46264727:

"Battle of the Bastards" is the nineth episode of the sixth season of HBO's fantasy television series *Game of Thrones*, and the 59th overall. The episode was written by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss and directed by Miguel Sapochnik.




Annotations from item #46264728:

The Battle of the Bells was a battle fought during Robert's Rebellion between royalist and rebel forces at Stoney Sept in the southwestern riverlands. It is so-named because at the beginning of the battle the town's sept tolled its bells to warn the citizens of the battle and to persuade them to stay inside their houses. The battle was won by the rebel army, although the royalists were able to retreat in good order.

Contents

Prelude

After being defeated by Lord Randyll Tarly in the Battle of Ashford,

When the glory-seeking Hand of the King,

Battle

The royalists had not found Robert when the forces of Lords Eddard Stark and Hoster Tully reached Stoney Sept.

Emerging from the Peach when the bells began ringing, Robert slew six men, including Prince Rhaegar Targaryen's friend and former squire, Ser Myles Mooton.

Aftermath

The Battle of the Bells forced King Aerys II Targaryen to take Robert's Rebellion seriously.

Recent Events

A Storm of Swords

When they arrive at Stoney Sept, Harwin tells Arya Stark about the victory of her father, Lord Eddard Stark, in the Battle of the Bells.

A Dance with Dragons

Lord Jon Connington, who had not died of drink but instead allowed that story to be spread so he could help educate Young Griff in secret, is still haunted by the Battle of the Bells and its outcome.

Quotes

Connington wounded your grandfather Tully sore, though, and killed Ser Denys Arryn, the darling of the Vale. But when he saw the day was lost, he flew off as fast as the griffins on his shield. The Battle of the Bells, they called it after. Robert always said your father won it, not him.

- Harwin to Arya Stark

I'm named Bella. For the battle. I bet I could ring your bell, too.

- Bella to Gendry

After dancing griffins lost the Battle of the Bells, Aerys exiled him. He had finally realized that Robert was no mere outlaw lord to be crushed at whim, but the greatest threat House Targaryen had faced since Daemon Blackfyre.

- Jaime Lannister to Brienne Tarth

Last night he'd dreamt of Stoney Sept again. Alone, with sword in hand, he ran from house to house, smashing down doors, racing up stairs, leaping from roof to roof, as his ears rang to the sound of distant bells. Deep bronze booms and silver chiming pounded through his skull, a maddening cacophony of noise that grew ever louder until it seemed as if his head would explode. Seventeen years had come and gone since the Battle of the Bells, yet the sound of bells ringing still tied a knot in his guts. Others might claim that the realm was lost when Prince Rhaegar fell to Robert's warhammer on the Trident, but the Battle of the Trident would never have been fought if the griffin had only slain the stag there in Stoney Sept. The bells tolled for all of us that day. For Aerys and his queen, for Elia of Dorne and her little daughter, for every true man and honest woman in the Seven Kingdoms. And for my silver prince.

- thoughts of Jon Connington

I wanted the glory of slaying Robert in single combat, and I did not want the name of butcher. So Robert escaped me and cut down Rhaegar on the Trident.

- thoughts of Jon Connington




Annotations from item #46264729:
Annotation #1 for item #46264729: Wiki: Battle of the Blackwater

The Battle of the Blackwater by land and sea, intent on seizing the city and taking control of the Iron Trone.

Contents

Prelude

Convinced that Joffrey Baratheon is not King Robert I Baratheon's son, Stannis believes his claim to the Iron Throne is the true one. However, he lacks the strength to attack King's Landing, as few Houses are sworn to Dragonstone and the rocky, volcanic islands surrounding Dragonstone have a sparse population, and the men of the stormlands have given their support to his younger brother Renly, the Lord of Storm's End, who has proclaimed himself king as well. Additionally, Renly has taken Margaery Tyrell to wife, which has earned him the support of the men from the Reach as well.

Stannis arrives in the stormlands with his five thousand men and lays siege to the coastal fortress Storm's End, the seat of his younger brother, Renly.

Sixty thousand men from Renly's army are still encamped at Bitterbridge, and when news of Renly's death reaches them,

Meanwhile, Robb Stark attacks the westerlands, hoping to lure Lord Tywin Lannister, who had been residing at Harrenhal with his twenty thousand men, away from King's Landing while King Stannis attacks the city from the south. Stannis's victory would mean the end of King Joffrey I, Queen Cersei, and acting Hand Tyrion Lannister, breaking Lannister power.

In preparation of the defense of King's Landing, Cersei Lannister has arranged for the production of vast amounts of wildfire,

Treacherous waters and inclement weather delay Stannis's fleet on its northward journey from Storm's End. A dozen ships are lost on the journey to Blackwater Bay. Stannis gives command of the fleet to Ser Imry Florent, who commands from Stannis's galley, the *Fury*. Stannis himself is on the south side of the Blackwater with his host, making them create arrows and rafts.

The Battle

Map of King's Landing during the Battle of the Blackwater
*I. The Red Keep; II. Great Sept of Baelor upon Visenya's Hill; III. Dragonpit upon Rhaenys's Hill; IV. Western baracks of the City Watch; V. Eastern baracks of the City Watch*
1. Stannis' fleet enters the river from Blackwater Bay; Only the ships of Salladhor Saan remain behind; 2. Once the first lines have passed, the defenders of King's Landing begin raising the chain; By the time the entire fleet has passed, the chain has been raised completely; 3. When Stannis' ships engage Joffrey's fleet, the ships are lit afire with wildfire; 4. Skirmishes start in Flea Bottom; 5. King Joffrey I Baratheon travels to the trebuchets ("the Whores") to launch the Antler Men; 6. Survivors from Stannis' fleet land on the riverfront and take a ram to the King's Gate; 7. The burning and broken ships have pilled together, creating a bridge of ships allowing Stannis' vanguard to cross the river; 8. An army of westermen and men from the Reach arrives to take the forces of Stannis Baratheon in the rear; 9. Seeing the battle is lost, Salladhor Saan, who kept his ships in the bay, lands his ships, allowing Stannis and ~1500 men to retreat.

Battle on the River

The battle opens when Stannis's admiral, Ser Imry Florent, leads Stannis' fleet up the river to engage Joffrey's ships. They enter visual range of the city in the late afternoon.

The wildfire burns the Blackwater - by Amok ©

Tyrion Lannister has ordered several of Joffrey's ships to be filled with wildfire. Stannis' fleet is lured further in the bay when Joffrey's pull back. When they engage the fleet of King's Landing, the ships and the river are soon afire. The wildfire destroys nearly every ship in both fleets. To their horror, the men on Stannis' ship discover that the great chain has been raised behind them, cutting off their retreat.

Attack on King's Landing

The city itself is defended by some five thousand seven hundred gold cloaks,[N 2] leavened with eight hundred mercenaries and three hundred knights, squires, and men-at-arms from the court and the surrounding crownlands. As acting Hand of the King, command of the defense is taken by Tyrion Lannister.

At the start of the battle, some small skirmishes arise within the city when some drunkards in Flea Bottom smash doors and climb into houses. Lord Jacelyn Bywater sends his gold cloaks to deal with them.

Tyrion tasks several groups of mounted men-at-arms, along with what few knights the city has, to harry Stannis's forces as they come ashore. Under the command of Sandor Clegane and Ser Balon Swann of the Kingsguard, they manage to help stem the tide, but as the battle drags on, they suffer grievous casualties. Tyrion and King Joffrey I Baratheon look on from the Mud Gate how the fleet goes up in flames. After King Joffrey leaves to shoot the Antler Men from the trebuchets, guarded by Ser Meryn Trant and Ser Osmund Kettleblack, Tyrion learns of Stannis' men having landed on the tourney grounds, who are preparing to ram the King's Gate. He arrives at the Mud Gate where Sandor Clegane, who had already led three sorties in which he has lost half his men, refuses to go out again. The wildfire raging across the river has robbed Clegane of his courage, and his refusal to lead any more sorties threatens to break the morale of the defenders. As they need to hold the river at all costs, Tyrion decides to lead the next sortie himself. Shamed into action by the dwarf's display of courage, several defenders gather to Tyrion's side.

While Tyrion is leading the sortie at the King's Gate, the Mud Gate falls under attack as well.

With the bridge breaking up and their Hand lost in battle, the defenders retreat within the city walls. At this point, after only a few hours of resistance, the battle seems to be lost to Tyrion, though at this time he also sees Stannis's army seemingly fighting itself on the other side of the river.

Renly's ghost

Having learned of Stannis' approaching attack on King's Landing and the alliance between then Iron Throne and House Lannister, Lord Tywin Lannister has marched his host south. Near the headwaters of the Blackwater Rush he joins up with Lords Mathis Rowan and Randyll Tarly, from where they force a march to Tumbler's Falls, where they find Lord Mace Tyrell and his sons wait with their huge host and a fleet of barges. Together, the Lannisters and Tyrells float down the river to disembark half a day's ride from the capital.

Lannister soldiers defending King's Landing – by Tomasz Jedruszek. © Fantasy Flight Games

Seeing that the battle has turned bad, Salladhor Saan puts his ships, which had been kept out in the bay, in along the shore, taking as many people as will fit.

Aftermath

The Battle of the Blackwater is a major defeat for Stannis. He retreats to Dragonstone with only a fraction of his army, and only Saan’s ships.

Most of those captured during the battle bend the knee to Joffrey, including men sworn to Dragonstone. During a court session, Ser Garlan Tyrell publicly asks Joffrey to take his sister Margaery to bride, and Joffrey, as previously agreed upon, fakes unwillingness to break his betrothal to Sansa Stark until the High Septon and small council agree that he is allowed to do so. Multiple honors and rewards are given to the participants and survivors of the battle by King Joffrey and his small council:

Hostages and casualties

Tyrion Lannister during the Battle of the Blackwater ‎- © 2012 John Picacio

Hostages

Notable Casualties

Lannister/Tyrell forces

Stannis' forces

Ships

King Joffrey

King Stannis

Quotes

A wall of red-hot steel, blazing wood, and swirling green flame stretched before him. The mouth of the Blackwater Rush had turned into the mouth of hell.

- Davos Seaworth's thoughts

We're delivered, sweetling! They came up the roseroad and along the riverbank, through all the fields Stannis had burned, the ashes puffing up around their boots and turning all their armor grey, but oh! the banners must have been bright, the golden rose and golden lion and all the others, the Marbrand tree and the Rowan, Tarly's huntsman and Redwyne's grapes and Lady Oakheart's leaf. All the westermen, all the power of Highgarden and Casterly Rock! Lord Tywin himself had their right wing on the north side of the river, with Randyll Tarly commanding the center and Mace Tyrell the left, but the vanguard won the fight. They plunged through Stannis like a lance through a pumpkin, every man of them howling like some demon in steel. And do you know who led the vanguard? Do you? Do you? Do you? It was Lord Renly! Lord Renly in his green armor, with the fires shimmering off his golden antlers! Lord Renly with his tall spear in his hand! They say he killed Ser Guyard Morrigen himself in single combat, and a dozen other great knights as well. It was Renly, it was Renly, it was Renly! Oh! the banners, darling Sansa! Oh! to be a knight!

Dontos Hollard, to Sansa Stark

My hirelings betray me, my friends are scourged and shamed, and I lie here rotting. I thought I won the bloody battle. Is this what triumph tastes like?

Tyrion Lannister's thoughts

That chain of yours, that was cunning.

Mace Tyrell, to Tyrion Lannister

Too many good men died that day.

Tyrion Lannister, to Kem

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 The Crownland Houses of Brune of the Dyre Den, Byrch, Hayford, Hogg, Rosby and Rykker are not directly mentioned at Blackwater, but as they are sworn directly to the Iron Throne, it is likely they took part in the battle or provided men to the City Watch.
  2. 2.0 2.1 The city watch contains six thousand men, although only two thousand of these, who had received their gold cloak from Robert, are seasoned men. leaving only five thousand seven hundred.
  3. Stannis has ten lines of twenty ships, bringing his total to ~200; Stannis has four times more ships than Joffrey, giving Joffrey ~50 ships of the royal fleet. (The Baratheon forces would have no information regarding the trading vessels seized on Tyrion's command.) However, unbeknownst to Stannis and his men, five of these ships (*King Robert's Hammer, *Seaswift, *Lionstar, *Bold Wind, and *Lady Lyanna*) have departed King’s Landing long before to escort Myrcella to Braavos.
  4. The host of Renly Baratheon is said to number a hundred thousand. Stannis would have gained ~16,000 troops, bringing his total force to ~21,000.
    Of those who remain, some — chiefly those of House Florent — are put to death by Lord Randyll Tarly after Renly's death. thousand cavalry had been knights is unknown. Mace Tyrell's additional ten thousand at Highgarden would bring the total to ~70,000 soldiers from House Tyrell.
    Petyr Baelish tells Joffrey Baratheon's small council that Mace Tyrell can field fifty thousand swords.
  5. Tywin's host originally is 20,000 men strong. suggesting he either gained men or did not lose a significant amount.
  6. Stannis originally had an army of five thousand men, but he claims to have twenty thousand men after Renly's death has caused a large part of his men to join Stannis. According to Davos, Stannis has “nearly twenty thousand” cavalry alone. before being joined by ~16,000 of Renly's cavalry, this would mean his force on land totaled 16,400 soldiers, with his original infantry being confined to his ships.
  7. Stannis' fleet consists of ten battlelines of twenty ships, bringing the total amount of ship to two hundred.
  8. The first three lines of twenty are made up of war galleys. Out of these sixty ships, at least nine are known to belong to the lords of the Narrow Sea (*Pride of Driftmark, *Bold Laughter, *Harridan, and *Seahorse from House Velaryon; *Red Claw* from House Celtigar; *Swordfish* from House Bar Emmon; *Piety, *Prayer, and *Devotion*, commandeered from House Sunglass).
  9. Described as a smaller contingent "the smaller, slower Myrish contingent", indicating that the Myrmen definitely have less than sixty ships, possibly as few as twenty.
  10. The Lyseni Salladhor Saan commands his Valyrian and two dozen smaller galleys.
  11. Following the deaths from and the desertions during the battle, the city watch only contains some forty-four hundred men,
  12. Sandor Clegane loses half his knights and sellswords.
Annotation #2 for item #46264729: Wiki: (song) Battle of the Blackwater

The thus far unnamed song about the Battle of the Blackwater is a song written and performed by Galyeon of Cuy. As is Galyeon's reputation,

Contents

Lyrics

*The dark lord brooded high in his tower, in a castle as black as the night.*

(Black was his hair and black was his soul,)

He feasted on bloodlust and envy, and filled his cup full up with spite,

*My brother once ruled seven kingdoms, he said to his harridan wife.*

I'll take what was his and make it all mine. Let his son feel the point of my knife.

(A brave young boy with hair of gold)

The dark lord assembled his legions, they gathered around him like crows.

And thirsty for blood they boarded their ships...

Recent Events

A Storm of Swords

To compete for the golden lute, Galyeon of Cuy sings the song at the wedding of King Joffrey I Baratheon and Lady Margaery Tyrell. In his performance, he is accompanied by six musicians. Tyrion Lannister believes that the song lasts so long that it feels like the song has a thousand verses. Sansa Stark is offended when Galyeon sings about Queen Regent Cersei Lannister's valor, insisting that Cersei never the things Galeyon sings about. Tyrion warns her not to believe anything she hears in a song, and proceeds to drink his way through the final twenty verses.




Annotations from item #46264730:

The Battle of the Borderland was a major battle at the end of the first century after Aegon's Conquest.

History




Annotations from item #46264732:

The Battle of the Camps is an early battle in the War of the Five Kings. It is a great victory for House Stark and House Tully, who smash the House Lannister force that encircles Riverrun, thereby allowing the riverlords to join their forces with those of the north.

Contents

Prelude

After defeating one Tully army at the Golden Tooth, Ser Jaime Lannister leads his host of westermen against Riverrun, where he routs another rivermen force and captures Ser Edmure Tully. The rivermen that do not retreat to their own castles hole up inside Riverrun, commanded by Lord Tytos Blackwood in place of the ailing Lord Hoster Tully.

Beginning a siege, Jaime is harassed by raiders led by Ser Marq Piper and Lord Karyl Vance. While dealing with what he thinks is another such attack, Jaime is ambushed and captured by Robb Stark's cavalry in the battle in the Whispering Wood.

The Battle

Ser Brynden Tully, leading Robb's van, attacks the Lannister camp north of the Tumblestone. His force clears palisades and finishes off any remaining scouts. The sleeping, leaderless camp is overrun. Men from the other camps, roused by the noise, soon attempt to come to the aid of the camp under attack. Lord Andros Brax leads his men to the rafts and attempts to make a crossing. Riverrun begins pelting the rafts with thrown rocks, and soon the rafts are flipping and sinking. Among those killed on the rafts is Lord Brax.

The camp between the rivers is overrun too, this time by men led by Robb Stark, Lord Jon Umber, and members of House Mallister coming in from the west. The Lannister force attempts to form a shieldwall, but are taken in the rear by a sortie from Riverrun led by Lord Tytos Blackwood.

Lord Umber fires the siege towers, and Lord Blackwood releases the prisoners taken in the earlier battle under the walls of Riverrun.

Aftermath

The southern camp of the Lannister force, two thousand spears and two thousand bowmen under the command of Ser Forley Prester, is left unmolested and retreats in good order back to the Golden Tooth. The Tyroshi sellsword who leads Forley's freeriders strikes his banners and switches sides, however.

Quotes

How could it happen? Ser Jaime taken, the siege broken... this is a catastrophe!

- Harys Swyft

Hoster: I saw. Last night, when it began, I told them... had to see. They carried me to the gatehouse... watched from the battlements. Ah, that was beautiful... the torches came in a wave, I could hear the cries floating across the river... sweet cries... when that siege tower went up, gods... would have died then, and glad, if only I could have seen you children first. Was it your boy who did it? Was it your Robb?
Catelyn: Yes, It was Robb... and Brynden. Your brother is here as well, my lord.

- Hoster Tully and Catelyn Tully

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Houses Banefort, Crakehall, Estren, Greenfield and Westerling are not directly mentioned at the Battle of the Camps; however, they are mentioned at the Battle of the Whispering Wood, and so it is likely that their forces were also present at the siege of Riverrun.
  2. House Flint of Widow's Watch is not directly mentioned at this battle. However as they were a part of Robb's host that gathered in the North, it can be assumed they were present at subsequent battles in the riverlands.
  3. House Slate is not directly mentioned at this battle. However it is stated by Lady Dustin in A Dance with Dragons that the Slates campaigned in the Riverlands with Robb Stark. Therefore it can be assumed that Slates were present at this battle.
  4. Jaime has two or three thousand horse at the start of the siege of Riverrun, and he brings three quarters of them to the Whispering Wood.
  5. Robb has six thousand at the earlier battle in the Whispering Wood, and lost only a small number of men.
  6. Forley Prester retreats with 4,000 men.



Annotations from item #46264733:

The Battle of the Fords.

Contents

Prelude

When Robb Stark, the new King in the North, marches west from Riverrun, he leaves his uncle, Ser Edmure Tully, to hold Riverrun and guard his rear.

Expecting Stannis Baratheon to be preoccupied for months with the siege of Storm's End, Lord Tywin Lannister risks leaving Harrenhal to stop Robb's raiding of his homeland.

In order to return to the westerlands, Tywin must cross the Red Fork of the Trident. Edmure calls his banners, approximately eight thousand foot and three thousand horse, to prevent Tywin, who has near twice as many, from crossing the river.

The Battle

Ser Edmure Tully organizes his forces so that every river crossing north and south of Riverrun is defended by a strong force. Lord Jason Mallister commands the defense of four fords, including the closest to the castle, while Lord Karyl Vance commands those upstream. The west bank of the Red Fork is higher than the east and wooded, so the defenders use those trees to hide archers and place scorpions as support.

Initially, Lord Tywin Lannister probes the rivermen's defenses, attempting to find an unguarded ford. House Mallister repels a group from House Brax during daytime and another group of westermen at night.

Three days later, Tywin attempts to force a crossing in a dozen places, but all are defeated by the rivermen. Lord Leo Lefford drowns,

Aftermath

Riverrun simultaneously celebrates Ser Edmure Tully's victory in the Battle of the Fords and Robb Stark's storming of the Crag.

After Robb returns to Riverrun, he and Ser Brynden Tully criticize Edmure for having confronted Tywin. They explain that Brynden's scouts had found an advantageous position on the Goldroad. Robb had hoped to draw Tywin into the westerlands and then either defeat Tywin on the Goldroad or lead the westermen on a chase along the Sunset Sea's coast. Robb explains Stannis Baratheon would have been able to conquer King's Landing.

To make amends, Edmure offers to lead Robb's van in the next battle.

Quotes

Edmure: Tell Father I have gone to make him proud.

Catelyn: He was always proud of you, Edmure. And he loves you fiercely. Believe that.

Edmure: I mean to give him better reason than mere birth.

- Edmure Tully and Catelyn Stark

That was the brush of Lord Tywin's fingertip, my lady. He is probing, feeling for a weak point, an undefended crossing. If he does not find one, he will curl all his fingers into a fist and try and make one. That's what I'd do. Were I him.

- Brienne of Tarth to Catelyn Stark

They shall not cross, Cat. Lord Tywin is marching to the southeast. A feint perhaps, or full retreat, it matters not. They shall not cross.

- Edmure Tully writing to Catelyn Stark

Brynden: You were commanded to hold Riverrun, Edmure, no more.

Edmure: I held Riverrun, and I bloodied Lord Tywin's nose—

Robb: So you did. But a bloody nose won't win the war, will it?

- Brynden Tully, Edmure Tully, and Robb Stark

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Houses Hamell, Moreland, Turnberry & Yarwyck are not directly mentioned at this battle. However the banners of these houses are present during the escorting of the corpse of Tywin Lannister back to Casterly Rock, which suggests that these houses were loyal to Tywin and were likely to have contributed men to Tywin's host. Therefore the men of these houses were likely present at the Battle of the Fords.
  2. House Plumm is not directly mentioned at this battle. However in A Storm of Swords the brothers Plumm were sent to find Jaime following his release, which takes before this battle. This suggests that House Plumm is a part of Tywin's host, and therefore took part in battles involving the host, including the Battle of the Fords.



Annotations from item #46264734:

The Battle of the Gullet,

Contents

Prelude

House Velaryon blockaded the Gullet and controlled access to Blackwater Bay at the start of the civil war. After the assault on Harrenhal by Prince Daemon Targaryen and further blows to the greens, Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King to Aegon II Targaryen, hatched a plan to break the Velaryon fleet's blockade. Otto reached out across the narrow sea to enemies of Prince Daemon, the Kingdom of the Three Daughters, hoping to persuade them to move against the Sea Snake, Lord Corlys Velaryon. Otto's plan took time and Aegon II eventually ran out of patience with his grandfather's prevarications, tearing the chain of office from his neck and tossing it to Ser Criston Cole.

However, the schemes of Ser Otto eventually bore fruit, as the High Council of the Triarchy accepted his offer of alliance in Tyrosh. Ninety warships, commanded by Admiral Sharako Lohar of Lys, swept from the Stepstones under the banners of the Three Daughters, bending their oars for the Gullet.

Meanwhile on Dragonstone, it was decided by Prince Jacaerys Velaryon that his half-brothers, Aegon and Viserys, would be fostered with a prince of Pentos until Rhaenys had secured the Iron Throne, they departed a Pentoshi cog, the *Gay Abandon*, towards the end of 129 AC. The Sea Snake sent seven of his warships with them as escort.

Battle

The *Gay Abandon* carrying the two Targaryen princes encountered the Three Daughters' fleet, which had sailed up to the Gullet. The Gay Abandon was taken captive and her escorts sunk or captured. Possessed only of a dragon egg, Prince Viserys had no way of escaping from the cog and was made captive.

Nine-year-old Aegon managed to escape the Gay Abandon by flying on his young dragon Stormcloud. Sailors attempted to bring them down and Stormcloud was wounded by arrows and scorpion bolts. Nevertheless, they managed to fly to Dragonstone, where Aegon delivered the news of the new threat from the east. Stormcloud at Dragonstone died from its wounds.

Flying on Vermax to meet the fleet of the Three Daughters, Prince Jacaerys swept down upon a line of Lysene galleys. The sailors had fought dragons during the War for the Stepstones, so their captains directed their spears and arrows against Jacaerys. One ship caught on fire and then another, however. When the dragons Silverwing, Sheepstealer, Seasmoke, and Vermithor joined Vermax from the Dragonmont, the line of Free Cities warships shattered as one galley after another turned away.

Vermax flew too low, however, and crashed down into the sea, possibly wounded from a crossbow bolt to the eye or pulled down by a grapnel. Survivors said he struggled in the rigging of a burning galley and sank with it. Jacaerys leapt free, but was killed by Myrish crossbowmen.

North and south of Dragonstone the battle raged into the night. The fleet bypassd Dragonstone, perhaps believing that it was to strong to assault, but they instead attacked Driftmark. Spicetown was brutally sacked, with its inhabitants butchered and left as carrion. High Tide and the treasures of Lord Corlys Velaryon were burned, with his servants cut down as they fled.

Aftermath

Thousands died from the battle, and Spicetown was never rebuilt. The Velaryon fleet lost almost a third of its strength. Prince Jacaerys Velaryon and his dragon Vermax were killed, and Prince Viserys Targaryen was taken captive.

The Triarchy's admiral, Sharako Lohar of Lys, took a combined fleet of 90 warships from the Stepstones but only 28 survived to limp home, losing 62 ships in the battle. The reaction of the Triarchy to such a hard won victory is unknown but by the time of Maiden's Day in 130 AC the Triarchy had begun to tear itself to pieces.

Quotes

Yet none of those losses were felt so deeply as that of Jacaerys Velaryon, Prince of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne.

- Archmaester Gyldayn




Annotations from item #46264735:

The Battle of the Honeywine was one of many battles fought during the Dance of the Dragons, the civil war between the greens of Aegon II Targaryen and the blacks of Rhaenyra Targaryen for control of the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms after the death of their father, King Viserys I Targaryen.

Contents

Prelude

Given that Aegon II Targaryen's main supporters were House Hightower, the family of his mother Alicent, the greens assumed the lords and lands of the Reach would side with them. Instead, many of the major lords from the north and east of the Reach declared for Rhaenyra Targaryen and her blacks, including Houses Caswell, Rowan, and Tarly. Several of the Hightowers' own vassals declared for Rhaenyra, such as Houses Beesbury and Costayne.

With the Reach divided between blacks and greens and Lord Lyonel Tyrell of Highgarden only a baby, his regent mother avoided risks and pursued neutrality for House Tyrell. Instead of quickly marching armies from the Reach to join with the other green armies in the north to overwhelm the blacks, the Hightowers and their allies had to slowly fight through the Reach itself.

Just prior to the Battle of the Honeywine was the Battle of the Gullet, in which both sides suffered heavy losses.

The Battle

A fortnight later on the banks of the Honeywine in the Reach, Lord Ormund Hightower found himself caught between the forces of Lord Thaddeus Rowan and Tom Flowers, the Bastard of Bitterbridge, coming in from the northeast with a large host of mounted knights. From behind his retreat was cut off by Ser Alan Beesbury, Lord Alan Tarly, and Lord Owen Costayne.

Attacked from the front and the rear, Lord Hightower's lines were starting to crumble and defeat seemed all but a foregone conclusion. Just then, a massive shadow appeared in the sky above them, Prince Daeron Targaryen on his dragon, Tessarion. It was then that the battle turned to the favor of Aegon II's forces and the rout was underway with heavy losses in the retreat.

Aftermath

This was the second defeat in a row for Rhaenyra Targaryen and her supporters, the blacks, at the hands of Aegon II and his supporters, the greens. Both sides suffered heavy casualties, with Rhaenyra losing commanders in the dead Tom Flowers, the captured Ser Alan Beesbury and Lord Alan Tarly, and the mortally wounded Lord Owen Costayne. When Dragonstone heard of the disaster, Rhaenyra refused Lord Bar Emmon's suggestion to submit to Aegon.

Daeron Targaryen was hailed as a hero that day and knighted by Lord Ormund Hightower with the Valyrian steel longsword, Vigilance. Daeron was first called "Daeron the Daring" after the battle, though Daeron modestly said Tessarion was the true hero of the battle.

The battle slowed the massive Hightower army that set out from Oldtown on its march north. Indirectly, this prevented the greens in the Reach from aiding the greens to the north. The westerlands' armies were annihilated in the Battle by the Lakeshore, while the green armies from the crownlands were destroyed in the Butcher's Ball.

Black forces continued to harass the Hightower army as it slowly advanced up the Roseroad, though Daeron flew on Tessarion to scout ahead for ambushes that they set. Eventually it began to approach King's Landing itself, resulting in the First Battle of Tumbleton.

Quotes

My Lord is kind to say so, but the victory belongs to Tessarion.

Daeron Targaryen responding to Ormund Hightower's praises after the battle