A Song of Ice and Fire - Historical Kingsguard / Characters

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Characters/ASongOfIceAndFireHistoricalKingsguard

This is a listing of members of the Kingsguard who served the founding Targaryen dynasty and who appear in the prequels, companion media and backstory of A Song of Ice and Fire.

For the main character index, see here

For the main Kingsguard entry, see here

"The days when men like Ryam Redwyne and Prince Aemon the Dragonknight wore the white cloak are gone to dust and song."

—Varys

The Kingsguard who served the Targaryen Dynasty and appear in the Prequels and Companion Media are mentioned here. Entries are listed in descending order of regime. Each member is listed with the king who they ended their service under.

Badass Decay: In-Universe. By the time of the main series, the Kingsguard has gone from one of the highest institutions of knighthood in the Seven Kingdoms to a laughingstock. Formerly the place to be for the best knights in the land, after Barristan Selmy is unwillingly released from his position it's taken up by political appointments or knights of little comparative skill. While there are some knights in it that still take their position and oaths seriously, new appointees like Osmund Kettleblack don't really fill people with confidence.
The Brute: Ser Joffrey Staunton aided the future King Aegon IV to get his mistress Megette by threatening Megette's husband.
Heroic Bastard: Lord Commander "Red" Robert Flowers.
High Turnover Rate: Rhaenyra's Queensguard went through three Lord Commanders.
Long-Dead Badass: The Kingsguard has created some of Westeros' best warriors.
Noodle Incident: Some Kingsguard knight's funny nicknames and exploits remain unexplained.
Only Known by Their Nickname: The Greatheart, as well as the Demon of Darry, a Lord Commander.

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The Kingsguard of King Aegon I, the Conqueror

In General

Alliterative Name: Ser Richard Roote and the Goode brothers had this type of name.
Minor Major Character: Despite being the very first members of the Kingsguard, very little is known about their deeds and manner of death.
Rule of Seven: The reason Visenya and Aegon chose seven Kingsguard was to honor the Faith of the Seven.
Sibling Team: Ser Gregor and Griffith Goode.
Undying Loyalty: The basis for the original selection was not talent with the sword but loyalty. Visenya wanted loyal knights that would die for their king, not necessarily the best fighters in the realm.
Working-Class Hero: Ser Humfrey the Mummer was the only peasant member of Aegon's Kingsguard. Everyone else was noble born.

Ser Addison Hill

The Bastard of Cornfield

A bastard of House Swyft. He would rise to Lord Commander.

Heroic Bastard: A bastard of House Swyft who became the second Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
Take Up My Sword: Became Lord Commander after the death of Ser Corlys Velaryon.
Unexpected Successor: Despite him being a mere bastard, he was chosen to replace Ser Corlys Velaryon as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard after the man's death, over several trueborn noble members of the Kingsguard.

The Kingsguard of King Aenys I

Ser Raymont Baratheon

Ser Raymont Baratheon was a knight from House Baratheon. He was a member of Aenys I Targaryen's Kingsguard.

See the House Baratheon of Storm's End page.

Gossip Evolution: He saved the life of his king from Poor Fellows who climbed the scaffolding of his manse. Over the years, the retelling made the story more grandiose by saying that the assassins climbed the walls of the Red Keep itself.
My Nayme Is: Raymont instead of "Raymond".
Tangled Family Tree: No one knows which Lord Baratheon Raymont is son of. It might be Orys or Davos.
What Happened to the Mouse?: After his one famous deed, he completely disappears from history. He's possibly one of the two Kingsguard that were killed by Rupert Falwell during the Battle of the Great Fork, but there's no way to be sure.

The Kingsguard of King Maegor I

Ser Davos Darklyn

A knight of House Darklyn and member of Aenys I Targaryen's Kingsguard, and later for Maegor I Targaryen. He was killed by Lord Corbray in 43 AC.

Alliterative Name: His name and surname begin with "Da".
Co-Dragons: He was one of the leaders of the royalist army in the conflict between Prince Aegon and King Maegor.
Duel to the Death: He was killed in one of these at the Battle Beneath The Gods Eye (one of the few casualties on Maegor's side), slain by Lord Corbray.
Sins of the Father: An inverted example: the Poor Fellows murdered Davos's elderly father for his loyalty to Maegor.

Ser Owen Bush

A knight and member of Aenys I Targaryen's Kingsguard, and later member of Maegor I Targaryen's Kingsguard.

The Brute: Implied he's one to Maegor. One rumor about Queen Ceryse's death states he had been ordered to cut out her tongue but slit her throat because she struggled and his knife slipped.
Cruel and Unusual Death: When Maegor's regime was crumbling, Owen Bush was murdered at a brothel and found with his member cut off and stuffed in his mouth.
Even Evil Has Standards: He was the only one who offered any opposition to the torture of Maegor's nephew Viserys after his mother and siblings fled Dragonstone, suggesting that the Prince may not know where his mother had gone, but Maegor ignored him.
Maegor: Chain him in a black cell and question him sharply. Ask him where his mother has gone.
Owen Bush: He may not know.
Maegor: Then let him die. Perhaps the bitch will return for his funeral.
Groin Attack: His murderers cut his manhood off and stuffed it down his throat.
The Oathbreaker: Considering that he was found murdered in a brothel, it is clear that Owen did not keep to his vow of celibacy.

Ser Maladon Moore

A knight of House Moore and member of Maegor I Targaryen's Kingsguard.

Alliterative Name: Ms
The Brute: He and Ser Owen Bush seized Tyanna of the Tower when the King suspected treachery.
What Happened to the Mouse?: Unlike Davos Darklyn and Owen Bush, there's no mention of what became of him. Fire and Blood reveals he was executed for his part in the death of Tyanna.

Ser Harrold Langward

A knight of House Langward and one of the members of Maegor's Kingsguard that remained loyal to the Cruel. Instead of exile or execution, he demanded a trial by combat. While King Jaehaerys wanted to face the knight himself, Ser Gyles Morrigen insisted on fighting in his stead. Morrigen proceeded to make short work of him.

Curb-Stomp Battle: On the receiving end against Gyles Morrigen.
Famous Ancestor: Although he's also the only known member of House Langward.
My Master, Right or Wrong: He remained loyal to Maegor, although it's not known if he did any nefarious deeds like Moore or Bush.
Old Soldier: Described as elderly.
Trial by Combat: Fought and lost one against Gyles Morrigen.

The Kingsguard of King Jaehaerys I, the Conciliator

Ser Gyles Morrigen

Ser Gyles Morrigen, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard

The nephew of Damon Morrigen the Devout, he became the first Lord Commander of the Kingsguard under King Jaehaerys I.

Asskicking Leads to Leadership: Because of the short-work he made of Langward, he was soon enough anointed as Lord Commander.
Big Damn Heroes: He and Joffrey Doggett were this for Queen Alysanne, saving her from a trio of Septas who tried to assassinate the pregnant Queen at Maidenpool.
The Champion: To Jaehaerys, serving in his stead in duels when the King was young and as his personal sworn shield and advisor.
Combat by Champion: Fought against Ser Harrold Langward in place of Jaehaerys.
Would Hit a Girl: He and Joffrey Doggett killed two of the three septas who tried to murder Queen Alysanne, taking the third alive for questioning.
You Shall Not Pass!: When Rogar Baratheon ordered his men to separate Jahaerys and Alysanne, Gyles stepped forward and said any Baratheon man who tried to get past him and his Sworn Brothers would die for it.
Gyles Morrigen: Come no closer. Any man who lays a hand on our King and Queen will die today.

Ser Joffrey Doggett

The Red Dog of the Hills

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/joffrey_doggett.jpg

Grand Captain of the Warrior's Sons during the reign of King Maegor Targaryen. Later appointed Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

Bait-and-Switch: When Jaehaerys offered him a place in the Kingsguard, Joffrey drew his sword, prompting those in attendance to fear he would attack the king...and then promptly laid his sword at Jaehaerys's feet and swore to serve him.
Big Damn Heroes: He and Gyles Morrigen saved the pregnant Queen Alysanne from a trio of septas who tried to assassinate her at Maidenpool.
Church Militant: As a leader of the Poor Fellows.
Famous Ancestor: For House Doggett. Although he's also the only known member (given that Maegor destroyed House Doggett's seat and killed Joffrey's family during his reign).
Heel–Face Turn: Became a sworn protector of the crown following Maegor's deposal.
Manly Tears: According to Archmaester Gyldayn, there were tears in Ser Joffrey's eyes when he accepted Jaehaerys's offer of a place in his Kingsguard.
Outlaw: Became one after Maegor and High Septon Pater outlawed the Faith Militant
Pet the Dog: He was so impressed by Pate the Woodcock's skill and bravery that he knighted the lad himself to allow him to join the Kingsguard.
Rebel Leader: He leads the Warrior's Sons in rebellion against King Maegor.
Replacement Goldfish: He's elected as the new Grand Captain of the Warrior's Sons after the death of Damon the Devout.
Undying Loyalty: To Jaehaerys following his appointment to the Kingsguard.
Would Hit a Girl: He and Gyles Morrigen killed two of the three septas who tried to murder Queen Alysanne at Maidenpool, taking the third alive for questioning.
Your Terrorists Are Our Freedom Fighters: To the crown and its supporters he was a rebel, outlaw and traitor, to pious lords and the smallfolk and peasants of the realm he was a hero. In the course of the campaign against he Maegor, his followers murdered Ser Morgan Hightower, Old Lord Merryweather, Lord Rowan's son and heir, Ser Davos Darklyn's aged father and Blind Jon Hogg.

Ser Samgood

Ser Samgood of Sour Hill

Sour Sam

A hedge knight who became a member of Jaehaerys I's Kingsguard during the so called War for the White Cloaks, despite his age and disabilities. He died of the Shivers along with his sworn brother Victor the Valiant at the age of 73.

Handicapped Badass: He was gaunt, almost toothless and blind in one eye, but he was apparently far quicker than men half his age.
The Nicknamer: He was the one who dubbed Prince Baelon "the Brave" after seeing the boy whack Balerion on the snout with a stick, commenting the boy was either mad or extremely brave.
Old Soldier: He was sixty-three when he joined the Kingsguard and already a grizzled veteran of a hundred battles. For which side he fought, he would say, was "for me and the gods to know."
Shut Up, Hannibal!: When Rogar Baratheon demanded the Kingsguard to stand down, insisting that he was the King's Hand, Sam pointed out the Kingsguard took their orders from their king, not him.
Rogar Baratheon: Sheath your steel and move aside. Have you forgotten? I am the King's Hand!
Sour Sam: Aye, but we're the Kingsguard, not the Hand's guard, and it's the lad who sits the chair, not you.
Working-Class Hero: He was one of the four common-born members chosen to be a part of the Kingsguard.

Ser Willam

Ser Willam the Wasp

One of the five knights that joined the Kingsguard after the so called War for the White Cloaks. He was formerly a sworn sword of Lord Myles Smallwood and vouched for him to be Hand of the King. He was killed in Andalos by brigands who had been spreading the rumors of a dragon near Pentos.

Finally Found the Body: His head was found by an agent of Rego Draz, who finally confirmed his death.
Last Stand: Apparently he was the last of his party to fall.
Working-Class Hero: He wasn't noble born, but served the crown faithfully nonetheless.

Ser Victor

Ser Victor the Valiant

A former sworn sword of House Royce of Runestone, he was one of the five champions chosen during the so called War for the White Cloaks to fill the vacancies of Jaehaerys Kingsguard. He died of the Shivers in 59 AC.

Nice Guy: Described as good-hearted.
The Generic Guy: Unlike the other five chosen champions, there's nothing that outstanding about Victor other than his valor.

Ser Pate

Ser Pate the Woodcock

The youngest of the five champions chosen during the tournament to fill the vacancies of Jaehaerys' Kingsguard during the so called War for the White Cloaks. When people questioned if he was truly a knight, Ser Joffrey Doggett knighted the lad himself to quiet those doubts.

The Baby of the Bunch: The youngest member of Jaehaerys I's Kingsguard.
Badass Boast: When Rogar Baratheon tried to threaten the Kingsguard protecting Jaehaerys and Alysanne to stand down, pointing out that his men outnumbered them and would slay them all if it came to violence, Ser Pate just lowered his spear and promised he'd make sure Rogar would be among those to die if it did.
Rogar Baratheon: You are seven. I have half a hundred swords behind me. A word from me and they will cut you to pieces.
Ser Pate: They might kill us, but you will be the first to die, m'lord, you have my word upon that.
Not Afraid to Die: He exemplified the Undying Loyalty of the Kingsguard with his willingness to lay down his life for his king and queen if need be, as seen in the above quote.
Self-Proclaimed Knight: Possibly. In any case, Ser Joffrey Doggett knighted him personally, rendering the matter moot.
Working-Class Hero: A smallfolk that reached the highest rank in chivalry.
Why Did It Have to Be Snakes?: A humorous example involving him; when Jaehaerys trained against his Kingsguard to improve his own skill at arms, they wagered on who could "kill" the king the most by the time he turned sixteen. According to Archmaester Gyldayn, Ser Pate won that bet simply because of how well he could use his spear.

Ser Ryam Redwyne

Ser Ryam Redwyne, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard

Ser Ryam Redwyne was a knight of House Redwyne. He was Lord Commander of the Kingsguard under Jaehaerys I Targaryen and Viserys I Targaryen. He also served briefly as Hand of the King for a year under King Jaehaerys I.

Alliterative Name: Ryam Redwyne.
Famous Ancestor: To House Redwyne.
Historical Hero Upgrade: Since he was a Kingsguard in a time of relative peace, he never really fights or performs any great deeds- yet he's remembered as one of the greatest Kingsguard to ever serve. That said...
Historical Villain Downgrade: His reign as Hand is considered by Pylos to be one of the worst, yet his actual tenure is at worst unremarkably mediocre, and the actual details of what he did are never given.
Number Two: After the death of Septon Barth, Ryam briefly became Hand of the King for King Jaehaerys. However, he proved to be terrible at the job and was replaced in less than a year by Prince Baelon Targaryen.
Sibling Team: Alongside his brothers Robert and Rickard.
Unfit for Greatness: Long after his death, he was considered one of the finest Kingsguard who ever lived, and among the worst Hands there ever were. The exact details of why he was such a bad Hand are unknown, but considering how poor some other hands were Ryam must have been pretty terrible to earn such a reputation.

Ser Lucamore Strong

Lucamore the Lusty

"Yes, and what of Lucamore the Lusty, with his three wives and sixteen children? The song always makes me laugh."

- Arianne Martell

A knight of House Strong and Kingsguard to Jaehaerys I.

Crippling Castration: When his peccadilloes finally came to light, he was stripped of his white cloak and gelded.
Let Us Never Speak of This Again: He was the Kingsguard on duty when the dying Princess Aerea returned on the back of Balerion. He would later claim that while carrying the princess to Grand Maester Benifer, she had a fever so hot he could feel the heat through his armour, and swore he felt something alive and moving inside the girl. Shortly afterwards, he was summoned to the King's presence and sworn to silence about it.
Not Helping Your Case: After having been caught, he was brought before the king to explain himself, and he might've probably gotten off with just getting sent to the Wall... if he hadn't pleaded for the sake of his wives and children.
The Oathbreaker: Remember that Kingsguard swear to not father any children.
Massively Numbered Siblings: He fathered sixteen children. There's an in-universe song about him that claims he had thirty.
Really Gets Around: Took three wives, with each one being ignorant of the other two.
Reassigned to Antarctica: Sent to the Night's Watch after being discovered, not before being gelded.
Jaehaerys I Targaryen: [after sentencing Lucamore to the Wall] The Night's Watch will require vows from you as well. See that you keep them, or the next thing you lose shall be your head.
This Is Unforgivable!: Jaehaerys and Alysanne were quite fond of Lucamore, and were deeply hurt and angered by his betrayal of his vows. His Kingsguard brothers were also outraged by his antics, with Gyles Morrigan urging Lucamore's execution as punishment for dishonouring them all.

Ser Clement Crabb

Ser Clement Crabb was a knight of House Crabb. He was a member of the Kingsguard during the reign of Jaehaerys I Targaryen.

Alliterative Name: Clement Crabb.
All There in the Manual: He is only mentioned in A Feast for Crows, but his full backstory can only be read in The World Of Ice And Fire.
Worthy Opponent: In the great tourney of King's Landing in 98 AC to celebrate the fiftieth year of King Jaehaerys I reign, Ser Clement and Ser Ryam Redwyne broke thirty lances against each other before King Jaehaerys proclaimed them co-champions, in what is often called the finest display of jousting in Westerosi history.

The Kingsguard of King Aegon II

See the Court of Aegon II page.

The Queensguard of Rhaenyra

See the Court of Rhaenyra I page.

The Kingsguard of Aegon III, the Dragonbane

Ser Marston Waters

A bastard from Dragonstone. He was raised to the Kingsguard after helping Aegon II take Dragonstone. He continued to serve in the Kingsguard of Aegon III.

Bodyguarding a Badass: When he protected Aegon II.
Heroic Bastard: Aside from a brief moment during Aegon III's regency, Ser Marston acted very honorably and nobly.
It Is Dehumanising: Referred to Sandoq the Shadow as "a beast" when chastising Aegon III for letting Sandoq kill Ser Amaury Peake.
My God, What Have I Done?: After besieging his own king in Maegor's Holdfast, Ser Marston clearly had a crisis of conscience and began following Aegon III's orders again, attempting to arrest the conspirators who had framed the Rogare family and the previous Hand, Lord Thaddeus Rowan, for various crimes.
Noodle Incident: The exact process by which he became Hand of the King is unknown. Oddly, Grand Maester Munkun, who was one of the regents of Aegon III, refused to discuss it and did not write about the matter in his True Telling.
Not Helping Your Case: During the period when Aegon III barricaded himself in Maegor's Holdfast to protect his brother's Lyseni wife from those at court who sought to arrest her and the rest of her family, Marston tried to convince the boy king to surrender, insisting that as long as Waters stood at his side, no man would do him harm. Aegon shouted back that Waters had already proved that claim false when he'd forced Aegon to watch his mother be torn apart by his uncle's dragon.
Marston Waters: I swear upon my sword in the sight of gods and men that none shall do you harm while I stand beside you.
Aegon III: You stood beside me when the dragon ate my mother. All you did was watch. I will not have you watch while they kill my brother's wife.
Number Two: He became Hand of the King through unknown circumstances during Aegon III's regency, somehow having become embroiled in a conspiracy to frame Lady Larra Rogare, the wife of Prince Viserys, and her family for various crimes. This resulted in him besieging King Aegon III, Viserys, and Larra in Maegor's Holdfast for eighteen days before he came to his senses and turned on his conspirators.
Once Done, Never Forgotten: Aegon III hated and never forgave Waters for his part in the downfall and death of Aegon's mother.
Passed-Over Promotion: Subverted: Aegon III tried to name Robin Massey to Lord Commander of the Kingsguard instead of Waters, but Unwin Peake put a stop to that.
Put on a Bus: He was one of several men Aegon II sent to Essos to try and hire mercenaries to augment his army. The mission ended in failure and by the time Marston got back, Aegon was dead.
"Rashomon"-Style: Was he really an Unwitting Pawn of the conspirators against Aegon III who had a crisis of conscience and tried to make amends? Or, as some have suggested, was he a willing conspirator who turned on his partners when it became apparent their plan was falling apart in a desperate effort to save his own skin?
Redemption Equals Death: He was killed in the process of arresting his sworn brother, Ser Mervyn Flowers, one of the conspirators against the Rogare family.
Sole Survivor: Of the Greens who took Dragonstone, he was the only one not killed in the purge of Aegon's power base during his assassination as he was not in King's Landing at the time.
Undying Loyalty: Despite being from Dragonstone and having kin on the island, he stayed in King's Landing and loyal to Aegon II, later helping to smuggle him to the island and arrange to take it over.
Unwitting Pawn: He was most likely only used by Unwin Peake and his cronies to gain power over Aegon III, and by the time he realized it and tried to redeem himself, he ended up dying.
What the Hell, Hero?: Tries this against Aegon III after the King barricaded himself in Maegor's Holdfast, arguing that as a knight sworn to defend him, Amaury Peake hadn't deserved to die so brutally at Sandoq's hands. Aegon just retorted that his brother Viserys had warned Peake and his men what would happen if they tried to force their way in.
Marston Waters: Ser Amaury was sworn to protect you, to give his own life for yours if need be. He was your leal man, as I am. He did not deserve such a death at the hands of such a beast.
Aegon III: Sandoq is no beast. He cannot speak, but he hears and he obeys. I commanded Ser Amaury to be gone and he refused. My brother warned him what would happen if he stepped beyond the axe. The vows of the Kingsguard include obedience, I thought.
Wouldn't Hurt a Child: When Aegon II defeated his thirteen year old cousin Baela in a dragon duel, Ser Marston stopped Ser Alfred Broome from executing her, wrenching Alfred's blade out of his hand.

Ser Regis Groves

A knight of the Kingsguard sent by Ser Tyland Lannister to reclaim Harrenhal after rumors of a powerful witch living there became known. The witch turned out to be Alys Rivers, and when he demanded her surrender, he somehow died and his men were routed in the panic.

Everyone Has Standards: He calls out Aemond Targaryen as a kinslayer.
Maybe Magic, Maybe Mundane: He could have been killed using magic, or a completely mundane method.
"Rashomon"-Style: How he died. Some say Alys used some sorcery to kill him there and then, or that she signaled one of her crossbowmen to shoot him. Mushroom claims he was hit in the chest with a lead ball from a slingshot.
Screw Your Ultimatum!: When Alys Rivers demanded he bend the knee and swear his sword to her son by Aemond, Regis told her where to shove it.
Regis Groves: I do not kneel to bastards, much less the baseborn whelp of a kinslayer and a milkcow.
Your Head Asplode: According to a version, when Alys raised her hand he held his head in pain until it exploded.

Ser Mervyn Flowers

The bastard brother of Lord Unwin Peake, Ser Mervyn assisted his brother's attempts to gain power in King's Landing.

Bastard Bastard: He completely forswore his oaths and plotted to put his brother in power by framing the Rogare family and Lord Thaddeus Rowan for various crimes. He even slew his own sworn brother Ser Marston Waters when he attempted to arrest Mervyn for his crimes.
Character Death: After killing Marston Waters, he was beaten to death at the stables of the Red Keep while trying to flee.
Ear Ache: To Lord Rowan's squire, the only one of his guard who attempted to defend him against imprisonment.
Even Evil Has Standards: He Wouldn't Hurt a Child.
Laser-Guided Karma: He killed two stableboys while trying to saddle a horse to flee the Red Keep. The commotion brought the boys' friends running who mobbed and beat Mervyn to death.
The Oathbreaker: It is unlikely he ever took his Kingsguard oaths seriously, and was likely appointed to the position during his brother Unwin's reign as Hand of the King. Mushroom accuses him of sleeping with multiple women within White Sword Tower
Pet the Dog: Hears out Thaddeus Rowan's pleading for clemency for his squire...but still cuts his ear off.
Wouldn't Hurt a Child: Some suspected him of being responsible for the death of Queen Jaehaera Targaryen, who either jumped or was thrown from Maegor's Holdfast when she was only ten. However, many people, including the semi-reliable court fool Mushroom, held that even Ser Mervyn would not be able to push the child he was supposed to protect to her death. Instead, they think he allowed Tessario the Tiger, Unwin's sellsword assassin, access to the queen in order to do the deed.

Ser Amaury Peake

Nephew of Unwin Peake, and served alongside his bastard half-uncle in the Kingsguard.

Flunky Boss: Faces Sandoq with half a dozen goons. Neither he nor any of his goons managed to pass him.
Hope Spot: One of his last remaining men managed to disarm Sandoq the Shadow of his Valyrian steel sword, allowing Amaury an opening...until Sandoq seized the battleaxe Prince Viserys had left embedded in the bridge and buried it in Amaury's skull.
The Oathbreaker: Ignored the King's orders over those of his uncle.
Nepotism: Even in a society that actively encourages such behavior, his appointment to the Kingsguard was clearly for no other reason than his uncle was Hand.
Pet the Dog: He orders his men to not harm Aegon and Viserys when attempting to capture them; granted, he needs them alive for political reasons, but that doesn't preclude a beating.
Spikes of Doom: Falls on these after Sandoq drives an axe through his skull.
Too Dumb to Live: Facing a skilled warrior like Sandoq the Shadow with no shield and an open-faced helm wasn't his brightest idead.
Villainous Valour: Gyldayn notes that, for all his flaws, the manner of his death did not disgrace the Kingsguard; he goes down fighting Sandoq the Shadow rather bravely, without a shield and wearing an open-faced helm.

Ser Raynard Ruskyn

Ser Raynard Ruskyn, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard

The new Lord Commander of the Kingsguard anointed after the coup against the Rogare family and Lord Thaddeus Rowan after the death of Marston Waters.

Alliterative Name: Raynard Ruskyn
Unluckily Lucky: He avoided dying like Waters, Peake and Flowers thanks to being injured and overwhelmed by the Lyseni when the coup occurred.
You Are in Command Now: He became the new Lord Commander after the attempted coup against the Rogare family and the death of Ser Marston Waters.

The Kingsguard of Daeron I, the Young Dragon

Ser Olyvar Oakheart

The Green Oak

A member of House Oakheart. He took part in the Conquest of Dorne and died during it, cut down along his king at the Prince's Pass.

Alliterative Name: Olyvar Oakheart.
Famous Ancestor: To Ser Arys Oakheart.
In-Series Nickname: The Green Oak. There's no explanation for its meaning, though "green" as an adjective usually has connotations of being young and inexperienced in Westeros.

The Kingsguard of King Aegon IV, the Unworthy

Prince Aemon Targaryen

Prince Aemon Targaryen, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard

The Dragonknight

"The tale of Prince Aemon's treason with Queen Naerys was only that, a tale, a lie his brother told when he wished to set his trueborn son aside in favour of his bastard."

—Ser Arys Oakheart

The brother of King Aegon IV and Queen Naerys. Considered the finest knight who ever lived, he was Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, serving under four kings. He was one of the few people his sister Naerys was close to (along with his nephew Daeron II). Whispers of his alleged affair with his sister helped spark the Blackfyre Rebellion. He died protecting his brother Aegon IV from would-be assassins sent by House Toyne, seeking revenge for their brother's execution.

See the House Targaryen Ancestors page.

The Ace: Some say he was the greatest Kingsguard knight to have ever lived, which is definitely saying something considering how many freak badasses have been members over the last 300 years.
Badass in Distress: He was saved from a pit of vipers by King Baelor.
Big Brother Instinct: Aemon and Naerys' "forbidden romance" has been immortalized in song but considering singers have a habit for stretching the truth, it is possible Aemon was simply a protective brother concerned for his sister's well-being.
Black Knight: One of the stories involves Aemon as a mystery knight at The Tourney.
Mystery knights would oft appear at tourneys, with helms concealing their faces, and shields that were either blank or bore some strange device. Sometimes they were famous champions in disguise. The Dragonknight once won a tourney as the Knight of Tears, so he could name his sister the queen of love and beauty in place of the king's mistress.
Brother–Sister Incest: If the rumours about him and Naerys were true.
Cool Helmet: He was called the Dragonknight because his helmet was decorated with a three-headed dragon wrought in white gold.
Cool Uncle: To King Daeron II and his surviving siblings, possibly even including Daemon (he didn't learn his sword skills from Aegon, that's for sure). Probably also a surrogate father, since Aegon the Unworthy wasn't exactly Dad of the Year material. It's quite possible that Aegon was more annoyed with Aemon "the Cool Uncle" than he was with Aemon "the Nice Guy to everybody".
Courtly Love: Aemon and Queen Naerys reportedly had such a relationship — or at least, Sansa's favorite songs portray them as such, "valiant Prince Aemon and his doomed love for his brother's queen." There's no question they were close. Aemon joined the Kingsguard to serve and protect her, not the king. He once won a tourney as a mystery knight to crown her queen of love and beauty. They probably never took it further, though, because Naerys was married to someone else (and quite devout), and Aemon was in the Kingsguard (and very devoted to knightly honor). Deconstructed when it was alleged their relationship had gone further and Aemon had fathered Naerys's son Daeron. A courtly love relationship does pose the question Did They or Didn't They?, leaving them open to Malicious Slander — even if they were, in fact, completely chaste.
Dragon Knight: He was a famous knight with the dragon motif of the Targaryen family. He was even known as "the Dragonknight" because crest on his helm featured a three-headed dragon wrought in white gold.
Foil:
- Aemon and Terrence served on the Kingsguard together, and both were involved in allegations of getting with Aegon's women. Aemon and Naerys probably had a chaste, Courtly Love relationship, and the allegations against them were probably Malicious Slander. Terrence and Bethany had sex and were caught in flagrante.
- Aemon's story is remarkably similar to Jaime's (renowned Kingsguard, dubious relationship with his sister the Queen that eventually resulted in a massive war, possible father of the queen's children), but Aemon is revered as a legendary Knight in Shining Armor, while Jaime is reviled as the dishonorable Kingslayer for being The Oathbreaker.
Heroic Sacrifice: He died saving Aegon IV from an assassination attempt by two members of House Toyne who sought revenge for the death of Ser Terrence Toyne.
Knight in Shining Armor: Exaggerated — Aemon is beloved by the people as an honorable and chivalrous knight. Arys Oakheart calls him "the noblest knight who ever lived." He is invoked repeatedly in the present as a representative of bygone chivalry. However — like most of Martin's knights — Aemon is also a deconstruction. Aemon adhered judiciously to his vows, backing his king no matter what... but his king, Aegon the Unworthy, was a monster.
Long-Dead Badass: He was one of greatest members of the Kingsguard ever.
Malicious Slander: Morgil Hastwyck accused Aemon of being the true father of Naerys's son Daeron. However, it's widely agreed this probably wasn't true. Given the political context surrounding the events, it looks like Morgil was put up to it by Aegon, who wanted a reason to disinherit Daeron.
Arys: I will not believe that. The tale of Prince Aemon's treason with Queen Naerys was only that, a tale, a lie his brother told when he wished to set his trueborn son aside in favor of his bastard. Aegon was not called the Unworthy without cause.
Manly Tears: Sansa argues so.
Tommen: [sobs]
Joffrey: You mew like a suckling babe. Princes aren't supposed to cry.
Sansa: Prince Aemon the Dragonknight cried the day Princess Naerys wed his brother Aegon.
My Master, Right or Wrong: Aemon is remembered as a "perfect knight," meaning completely loyal to his liege. His king was the patently unworthy Aegon IV, who raped his sister-wife Naerys (Aemon's sister and close friend) and submitted her to a lifelong Humiliation Conga by repeatedly cheating on her. Aemon nonetheless exhibited complete loyalty. Aegon IV repaid Aemon by accusing him of fathering Daeron II. Despite all this, Aemon still committed a Heroic Sacrifice to save Aegon IV from the vengeful Toynes (who again, Aegon IV provoked by brutally killing Ser Terrence Toyne).
Noodle Incident: It's not yet explained why Aemon dueled with Lord Cregan Stark. Or who won.
Taking the Bullet: Aemon survived an arrow protecting his cousin Daeron I in his first invasion. He tried to save him again when Daeron I returned but he failed and got captured (while other Kingsguard died and one surrendered). He finally did die protecting Aegon the Unworthy.
Warrior Prince: As a younger son who wouldn't inherit, he became Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
Worthy Opponent: Aemon reportedly considered Cregan Stark such.
Bran: Oh, there, he's Cregan Stark. He fought with Prince Aemon once, and the Dragonknight said he'd never faced a finer swordsman.

Ser Terrence Toyne

Ser Terrence Toyne was a knight of House Toyne. He was a knight of the Kingsguard during the reign of Aegon IV Targaryen.

All There in the Manual: The identity of which mistress of Aegon IV was his lover was only revealed in The World of Ice & Fire.
Alliterative Name: Terrence Toyne.
Cruel and Unusual Death: Aegon IV had him dismembered piece by piece, while Bethany was Forced to Watch.
Foil: Aemon and Terrence served on the Kingsguard together, and both were involved in allegations of getting with Aegon's women. Aemon and Naerys probably had a chaste, Courtly Love relationship, and the allegations against them were probably Malicious Slander. Terrence and Bethany had sex and were caught in flagrante.
Love Makes You Dumb: A member of the Kingsguard breaking his celibacy vows for love is already Tempting Fate, but doing so with the king's mistress takes it to a new level, never mind with a king like Aegon the Unworthy. It could never have ended well.
No Historical Figures Were Harmed: Of Thomas Culpepper, a knight in the service of King Henry VIII (of whom Aegon the Unworthy is considered an expy) who embarked on an affair with the king's fifth wife, Catherine Howard, which ended in their executions when it was discovered.
The Oathbreaker: Infamously broke his vow of celibacy for love.
Star-Crossed Lovers: With Bethany Bracken. This ended badly.
Arys Oakheart: Ser Terrence Toyne was found abed with his king's mistress. 'Twas love, he swore, but it cost his life and hers, and brought about the downfall of his House.
Tall, Dark, and Handsome: He was noted in-universe for this.
...the dark and dashing Terrence Toyne of whom the singers sang, had been so fair of face that even the king's mistress could not resist him...
Unwitting Instigator of Doom: His affair and subsequent execution was the beginning of the end for House Toyne. His brothers tried to avenge his cruel death by attempting to assassinate Aegon IV, only to be slain by the Dragonknight, Prince Aemon, in the attempt (resulting in the Dragonknight's death as well). The Toynes never really recovered from this. Even if he'd considered the personal implications of being caught, it's unlikely Ser Terrence would have foreseen having such a negative effect on House Toyne's future.
Jaime: After Aegon the Unworthy put Ser Terrence Toyne to death for sleeping with his mistress, Toyne's brothers did their best to kill him. Their best was not quite good enough, thanks to the Dragonknight, but it was not for want of trying.

The Kingsguard of King Daeron II, the Good

Ser Gwayne Corbray

"It's said that whenever Blackfyre and Lady Forlorn clashed, you could hear the sound for a league around. It was half a song and half a scream, they say."

—Ser Eustace Osgrey

A knight of House Corbray and Kingsguard to Daeron II. He fought during the First Blackfyre Rebellion, at the battle of the Redgrass Field in Lord Arryn's van. He dueled with Daemon Blackfyre for nearly an hour before being defeated. The duel was considered a sight to behold, partly because of the clashing of two Valyrian steel swords against each other. Severely injured from the duel, Daemon ordered Redtusk to bring Gwayne to the rear to see to his wounds. He wielded Lady Forlorn, the ancestral Valyrian steel blade of House Corbray.

See the House Corbray page.

Master Swordsman: He would have had been since he is remembered for being able to hang with a man considered to be godlike when it came to swordfighting.
What Happened to the Mouse?: We don't know if Gwayne survived his famous duel.
Worthy Opponent: Daemon Blackfyre thought Ser Gwayne Corbray so gallant in their battle—which lasted for an hour—that he ordered him healed. According to Eustace Osgrey anyways.

Ser Willem Wylde

A knight of the Kingsguard, appointed during the reign of Daeron II in place of Quentyn Ball.

Alliterative Name: Willem Wylde.
Elite Mook: Doesn't really do all that much except provide an extra combatant in the trial of seven, and is the only one of Aerion's seven to suffer any serious injury, being carried away unconscious.
Punch-Clock Villain: Presumably; he's appointed by Reasonable Authority Figure King Daeron II, but still fights for Aerion Targaryen against Dunk. Prince Daeron even points out how he and the rest of the Kingsguard have little choice in the matter.
Unwitting Instigator of Doom: His appointment to the Kingsguard causes Quentyn Ball to defect to the Blackfyres.
The Worf Effect: He's apparently badass enough to be placed on the Kingsguard ahead of Quentyn Ball, but he's knocked out fighting in the trial of seven. On the other hand, he was one of the knights fighting Baelor Breakspear (the hammer to Maekar's anvil and rumored to be the greatest knight of the age) and wasn't allowed to hit him back. The fact that he wouldn't surrender despite that speaks a lot about his badassitude.

Ser Roland Crakehall

A knight of House Crakehall who served Daeron II.

The Big Guy: Like most Crakehalls.
Failed a Spot Check: Can't find Daeron or Egg at the Ashford Tourney. In his defence, Daeron made almost a point of being hard to spot in a crowd and he probably didn't know that Egg had been made to shave his head and was dressing down for his role as The Squire for a hedge knight.
Just Following Orders: Invoked; he says Bloodraven will be merciful to those who were just following orders, and seems to approve.
Mr. Exposition: Tells Dunk exactly what will happen to those who supported Daemon II.
Nice Guy: Is pleasant and sociable with Dunk, even when he's just some random Hedge Knight when they first meet.
Punch-Clock Villain: He only fought for Aerion out of his duties to the Kingsguard.

Ser Donnel of Duskendale

A knight who served Daeron II.

Punch-Clock Villain: He fought for Aerion out of his duties to the Kingsguard.
Working-Class Hero: His lack of a family name might imply he came from humbler origins than his fellow knights of the Kingsguard.

Other Kingsguard

Ser Gyles Greycloak

Gyles Greycloak was a knight of the Kingsguard.

Alliterative Name: Gyles Greycloak.
Ambiguous Syntax: All we know about him is that his name is Gyles and that he was a traitor...two traits also given to Gyles Belgrave, of whom we similarly know little. Whether or not they're actually the same character is unknown.
Color Motif: Again proof that grey is a bad color in this series.
Cryptic Background Reference: Nothing is known of him except his name and exploits.
Face–Heel Turn: He was a traitor. Again nothing is elaborated.

Ser Orivel

Ser Orivel the Open Handed

Ser Orivel, better known as Orivel the Open-Handed, was a knight of the Kingsguard at an unknown time.

Cryptic Background Reference: Nothing is known of him except his name and exploits. His lack of family name means he was probably common born.
Dirty Coward: What he is remembered for.

Characters / A Song of Ice and Fire - Historical Kingsguard

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