Difference between revisions of "Barth"

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{{See homonyms | Barth (disambiguation)}}
 
{{See homonyms | Barth (disambiguation)}}
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{{Character
 
{{Character
| Character_name =[[File:FaithStar.png|50px|left]] Barth [[File:FaithStar.png|50px|right]]
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| Character_name = [[File:Star of the Faith.svg|50px|left]] Barth [[File:Star of the Faith.svg|50px|right]]
| image =
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| image = [[File:Barth.png|300px]]
| image_caption =
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| image_caption = Septon Barth as depicted in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': ''Histories & Lore''.
 
| Alias =
 
| Alias =
 
| Title = [[Septon]]<br>[[Hand of the King]]
 
| Title = [[Septon]]<br>[[Hand of the King]]
| Allegiance = [[Faith of the Seven]]<br>[[House Targaryen]]
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| Allegiance = [[Faith of the Seven]]<br>[[House Tyrell]]<br>[[House Targaryen]]
 
| Race =
 
| Race =
| Culture = [[Reach]]men{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing—The Realm Remade}}
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| Culture = [[Reach]]
 
| Spouse =
 
| Spouse =
 
| Place_of_Birth =
 
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth =
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| Date_of_Birth = or before {{Date|37}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Barth|Barth]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death = [[Red Keep]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon—A Question of Succession}}
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| Place_of_Death = [[Red Keep]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|99}}
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| Date_of_Death = {{Date|98}}{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}<ref group="N" name=death>''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' states that Barth died in {{Date|99}} in ''The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I''. However, the more recently published ''Fire & Blood'' has changed this to {{Date|98}}.</ref>
 
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
 
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
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| Coat-of-arms =
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''Barth''' was a [[septon]] who served as [[Hand of the King]] for [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].
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'''Barth''' was a [[septon]] who served as [[Hand of the King]] for King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].
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==Character==
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Barth is considered by historians to have been King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]'s greatest friend. Barth was plainspoken but brilliant.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} He was considered a man of great ability.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}} [[Archmaester]] [[Gyldayn]] has described him as "the wisest man ever to serve as the [[Hand of the King]]."{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}} However, Barth's enemies claimed he was more [[Magic|sorcerer]] than [[septon]].{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
"It is my own abiding sin that whenever I come upon a door I must needs see what lies upon the farther side", Barth wrote of his curiosity.{{Ref|fab|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} He was described as plain-spoken but possessing of a brilliant mind. Barth was [[smallfolk|common-born]], his father a blacksmith. After he joined the [[Faith of the Seven|Faith]], his obvious intelligence caused his appointment to oversee the [[Red Keep]]'s library; a position he excelled in, attending to the king's books and records.
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===Early life===
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Barth was a blacksmith's son.{{Ref|ASOS|54}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}} He was given to the [[Faith of the Seven]] when he was young,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} and eventually took a septon's vows. Barth served at first at [[Highgarden]].{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}} Thanks to his brilliance,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} in {{Date|50}} Barth was sent to [[King's Landing]] to see to the library of the [[Red Keep]]. According to legend, Barth traveled on his own on a donkey.{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}}
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In {{Date|51}}, Barth officiated the second marriage of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] and Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]], and along with Septon [[Oswyck]] he aided the king in writing the [[Doctrine of Exceptionalism]].{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}} After Oswyck died in early {{Date|54}}, Barth took over his duties. By {{Date|54}}, Barth had become one of Jaehaerys's most trusted advisors. When the [[High Lickspittle|High Septon]] died that year, Jaehaerys entertained the idea of trying to persuade the [[Most Devout]] to name Barth to the office; Barth personally persuaded him not to do so. Barth was horrified by the suggestions of influencing the [[choosing]] with gold, force of arms, and secret assassinations, and wrote down an account on how King Jaehaerys managed to influence the choosing by traveling to Oldtown, expressing regret about the corruption among the [[Most Devout]].{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
  
In {{Date|50}}, Barth arrived at court and replaced Septon [[Mattheus]] dismissed by [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys]]. He came from [[Highgarden]] and was said he rode passed Mattheus, though either men. didn't know the other. Barth attended the king's library and records, Jaehaerys became acquainted with Barth and they became good friends. Septon Barth later officiated the second marriage of king [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys]] and queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]]. Barth along with Septon [[Oswyck]], aided the king in writing the [[Doctrine of Exceptionalism]]. Barth later took over the duties of Septon Oswyck after he passed away in {{Date|54}}. That same year after the death of the [[High Lickspittle|High Septon]], Jaehaerys entertained the idea of trying to persuade the [[Most Devout]] to make Barth the New [[High Septon]], but Septon Barth persuaded the king otherwise.{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}}
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When Lord [[Daemon Velaryon (son of Aethan)|Daemon Velaryon]] resigned as [[Hand of the King]], King Jaehaerys at first looked at Barth, among others, to fill the office. However, due to his low birth, and due to the fact that it was suspected that Barth was more loyal to the Faith than to the [[Iron Throne]], he was not chosen.
  
In {{Date|55}}, Barth along with Grand Maester [[Benifer]], Lord [[Albin Massey]], and Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]] assisted king Jaehaerys in beginning the work to create the first unified code of law for the entire [[Seven Kingdoms]], the task of codifying, organising, and reforming all the laws of the kingdom. These reforms would take decades. Barth in the end, contributed three times more than any other man on these books of law.{{Ref|fab|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
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In {{Date|55}}, Barth, King Jaehaerys, Queen Alysanne, Grand Maester [[Benifer]], and Lord [[Albin Massey]] began creating the first unified [[Books of Law|code of law]] for the entire [[Seven Kingdoms]]. It would take them decades, and Barth alone contributed three times more than any other on his [[Great Code]].{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
  
After the resignation of Lord [[Daemon Velaryon (son of Aethan)|Daemon Velaryon]] as [[Hand of the King]], Jaehaerys wished to appoint Septon Barth to the office, but the other councillor's objected due to his low birth, and in the end the martial Lord [[Myles Smallwood]] was named to the office. {{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
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When the severely-ill Princess [[Aerea Targaryen]] returned to King's Landing in {{Date|56}} on [[Balerion]] after having been missing for more than a year, Barth helped Benifer care for her. He announced to Jaehaerys and Alysanne, who waited outside the Grand Maester's chambers, when Aerea had died. Barth wrote two accounts on Aerea's death, which speak about the horrors that came forth from the girl, and in which he speculates about what had happened to her. They were kept in Barth's private papers, and were only discovered a hundred years later. The incident with Aerea left a strong impression on Barth, and afterwards he began research that eventually led to his book ''[[Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns: Their Unnatural History]]''.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
  
In {{Date|56}}, Barth helped [[Grand Maester]] [[Benifer]] care for Princess [[Aerea Targaryen]] before her horrific death, and told King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] some of what they witnessed.{{Ref|fab|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
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===Hand of the King===
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After Lord [[Myles Smallwood]] resigned as [[Hand of the King]] in {{Date|57}}, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] appointed Barth to the office.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} He would hold the office for forty-one years,{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} during which time he proved himself worthy of the position.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
  
==Hand of the King==
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Barth's first task as the King's Hand was a diplomatic journey to [[Braavos]], to treat with the [[Sealord]] over the three [[dragon eggs]] stolen by [[Elissa Farman]]. It was suspected that Elissa had sold them to the Sealord to pay for the construction of her ship, ''[[Sun Chaser]]'', but when Barth confronted the Sealord, the man denied having the eggs. Barth returned to King's Landing without the eggs, causing some lords to claim that he had failed at his first task. However, Barth instead struck a deal with the Sealord, removing the Crown's loans to the [[Iron Bank of Braavos]], and thereby reducing the Iron Throne's debt by half.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
Lord Smallwood, though a leal and well intentioned man, proved unsuited as the King's Hand which he acknowledged himself and vacated the office in {{Date|57}}. This time the king saw Barth's worth and named him his [[Hand of the King]]. Many [[lord]]s of long and noble lineage were aghast at the appointment of a smith's son to this prestigious office. Barth though would excel at the office, however, and served as Hand until his death. The forty years he was Hand are generally referred to as synonym for prosperity, much like the reign of Jaehaerys I.{{Ref|aSoS|54}}{{Ref|aSoS|54}}
 
  
His first task as the King's Hand was to go on a diplomatic trip to [[Braavos]], to treat with the [[Sealord]] over the three [[dragon eggs]] stolen by [[Elissa Farman]]. It was suspected that the Sealord had purchased the egg's. Although no trace of the eggs could be found. Some Lords claimed that Barth failed at his first task as Hand as he not returned with the eggs, however Barth did get the Sealord to cancel the crown's debt to the [[Iron Bank of Braavos]]. {{Ref|fab|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
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Thanks to the reduction in debt, King Jaehaerys began making improvements to the living conditions of [[King's Landing]]. Barth argued in favor of constructing wells, both within the city and without, pipes and tunnels to bring the water within the city's walls, and four cisterns to store the water in. This way, the drinking water available for the [[smallfolk]] of the city would be improved. Barth's proposals were supported by Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]], and eventually King Jaehaerys and his [[master of coin]], [[Rego Draz]], approved the plan, after Alysanne presented them each with a tankard of foul water from the [[Blackwater Rush]] and dared them to drink it.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
  
The crown now free of an enormous debt was able to take measures to improve the living conditions of [[King's Landing]], and began with the construction of drains, sewers, sinking wells and fountains, to carry the waste from the city and to provide clean drinking water for the smallfolk. Jaehaerys and his [[master of coin]], [[Rego Draz]] at first protested the proposition of the fountains and sinking wells due to the cost, until queen [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]] presented them each with a tankard of river water at the next council meeting, daring them to drink it. Neither one of them was willing to do it, and the construction was approved.{{Ref|fab|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
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In {{Date|58}}, Barth supported Queen Alysanne when she assembled the small council to request them to [[outlaw]] the right to the [[first night]]. Following a short speech by Barth, in which he explained how the first night collided with the views of the [[Faith of the Seven|Faith]], insisting that the [[High Septon]] would no doubt support the plan, Jaehaerys agreed to outlaw the ancient [[custom]].{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
  
After the murder of [[Rego Draz]] in {{Date|59}}, a new [[Master of Coin]] was needed. Septon Barth put forward Lord [[Martyn Tyrell]], a man he knew from his time at [[Highgarden]] before coming to court. While not praising his wits, Barth mentioned that Martyn's wife, the Lady [[Florence Fossoway|Florence]] had been doing the Reach's accounts for years and had increased the incomes by a third. {{Ref|fab|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
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In {{Date|60}}, Barth suggested Lord [[Martyn Tyrell]] for the office of master of coin, a position which had been empty since the murder of Rego the year before. Although Barth could not praise Martyn's wits, he mentioned that Martyn's wife, Lady [[Florence Fossoway]], had been keeping the accounts at [[Highgarden]] for years and had increased the incomes by a third. Insisting that Barth had never let him wrong, Jaehaerys appointed Martyn as his new master of coin.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
  
With Barth's aid Jaehaerys reformed the realm more than any king who lived before. Barth continued to aid Jaehaery in creating the unified code, so that from the [[north]] to the [[Dornish Marches]] the realm would share common law. Great works were implemented to improve [[King's Landing]], such as sewers, drains and wells. Barth believed fresh water and the flushing away of offal and waste are essential to a city's health.
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In {{Date|84}}, Barth stood as one of the witnesses when King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne confronted their daughter [[Saera Targaryen|Saera]] with recent events involving her favorites. When Alysanne, following the death of Princess [[Viserra Targaryen]] in {{Date|87}}, pleaded with Jaehaerys to allow the exiled Saera to return home, she brought Barth with her for support. They could not convince Jaehaerys, however, to bring Saera home.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
  
Barth was sent to [[Oldtown]] to forge a lasting agreement between the [[Iron Throne]] and the [[Faith of the Seven]]. This agreement took away the right of the Faith to conduct criminal trials while at the same time Jaehaerys pledged upon the Iron Throne that the crown would always defend the Faith. The great schism between crown and faith were healed by this accord.{{Ref|twoiaf| Jaehaerys I}}
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In {{Date|98}},<ref group="N" name=death/> Barth died peacefully in his sleep. He was succeeded as Hand by Ser [[Ryam Redwyne]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
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<!--Barth was sent to [[Oldtown]] to forge a lasting agreement between the [[Iron Throne]] and the [[Faith of the Seven]]. This agreement took away the right of the Faith to conduct criminal trials while at the same time Jaehaerys pledged upon the Iron Throne that the crown would always defend the Faith. The great schism between crown and faith were healed by this accord.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
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-->
  
While it was said that Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]] was Jaehaerys's great love, Barth was his greatest friend. No man of humble birth ever rose so high as the plain-spoken but brilliant septon.{{Ref|twoiaf| Jaehaerys I}}
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==Writings and beliefs==
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Barth is the author of ''[[Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns: Their Unnatural History]]'', and he left many accounts on the reign of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]. Barth's writings were ordered destroyed by King [[Baelor I Targaryen]] when he came to the [[Iron Throne]], although some fragments have survived.{{Ref|twoiaf|The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}{{Ref|AdwD|14}} According to [[Tyrion Lannister]], however, it is unlikely that any of Barth's work has found its way across the [[narrow sea]].{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
  
==Writings==
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Although some parts of Barth's ''Unnatural History'' is considered controversial and wicked, most parts are not.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}
Barth wrote an important ''corpus'' about [[dragon]]s, ''[[Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns: Their Unnatural History]]''. When [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] was dying, his caregiver [[Alicent Hightower]] read to him; among the books were the writings of Barth.{{Ref|trp}} His experience with Aerea challenged Barth's faith,{{Ref|fab|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} and his enemies always claimed he was more sorcerer than septon.{{Ref|aDwD|14}} Barth's writings were ordered destroyed by King [[Baelor I Targaryen]] when he came to the [[Iron Throne]], although some fragments have survived. However, it is unlikely that any of Barth's work found its way across the [[narrow sea]].{{Ref|aDwD|14}}
 
  
Barth claimed that dragons were neither male nor female.{{Ref|aFfC|35}} He ruled out that dragons are vulnerable through their mouths. Barth, [[Munkun]] and [[Thomax]] hold markedly divergent views on the mating habits of dragons.{{Ref|aDwD|14}}
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Barth claimed that dragons were neither male nor female.{{Ref|AFFC|35}} Barth, [[Munkun]], and [[Thomax]] hold markedly divergent views on the mating habits of dragons.{{Ref|ADWD|14}} Barth further ruled out that dragons are vulnerable through their mouths, writing that ''"Death comes out of the dragon's mouth, but death does not go in that way."''{{Ref|ADWD|57}} Barth further speculated that the [[bloodmage]]s of [[Valyria]] used [[wyvern]] stock to create dragons.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos}}
  
He also speculated that the [[bloodmage]]s of [[Valyria]] used [[wyvern]] stock to create dragons.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos}}
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Lady [[Alicent Hightower]] was reading from Barth's ''Unnatural History'' to King Jaehaerys I when he died abed in {{Date|103}}.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Barth has argued, in a fragmentary treatise, that the inconsistent length of the seasons is due to some [[Magic|magical art]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Long Night}}
  
 
==Recent Events==  
 
==Recent Events==  
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
When [[Davos Seaworth]] feels insecure about his new position as [[Hand of the King]] to [[Stannis Baratheon]] due to his [[Smallfolk|low birth]], [[Maester]] [[Pylos]] reassures him by explaining the prosperous and peaceful tenures of the humbly-born Septon Barth and his time as Hand to illustrate that high birth does not equal ability.{{Ref|asos|54}}
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When [[Davos Seaworth]] feels insecure about his new position as [[Hand of the King]] to [[Stannis Baratheon]] due to his [[Smallfolk|low birth]], Maester [[Pylos]] reassures him by explaining the prosperous and peaceful tenures of the humbly-born Septon Barth and his time as Hand to illustrate that high birth does not equal ability.{{Ref|ASOS|54}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
In [[Braavos]], the dying Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] hears the talk of [[Daenerys Targaryen]] and her [[dragons]] emanating from [[Qarth]]. He tells [[Samwell Tarly]] that Daenerys is the one, born amidst salt and smoke and that the dragons prove it. Aemon explains to Sam that no one ever looked for a girl, it was a [[prince that was promised]], not a princess. He tells Sam that dragons are neither male nor female; Barth saw the truth of that, but now one and now the other, as changeable as flame.
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In [[Braavos]], the dying Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] hears the talk of [[Daenerys Targaryen]] and her [[dragons]] emanating from [[Qarth]]. He tells [[Samwell Tarly]] that Daenerys is the one, born amidst salt and smoke and that her [[dragon]]s prove it. Aemon explains to Sam that no one ever looked for a girl, as it was a [[prince that was promised]], not a princess. Aemon says Barth was correct in believing that dragons are neither male nor female, instead being as changeable as flame.{{Ref|AFFC|35}}
  
Aboard the ''[[Cinnamon Wind]]'' Aemon's wits wander and his talk is all a jumble. He asks Sam to read for him from a book by Septon Barth, whose writings had been burned during the reign of [[Baelor I Targaryen|Baelor the Blessed]].
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Aboard the ''[[Cinnamon Wind]]'' Aemon's wits wander and his talk is all a jumble. He asks Sam to read for him from a book by Septon Barth.{{Ref|AFFC|35}}
  
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Aboard the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' while writing his [[Tyrion Lannister's dragonlore|dragonlore]] [[Tyrion Lannister]] thinks of the various books about dragons he would like to get his hands on. He is not hopeful concerning Septon Barth's ''[[Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns: Their Unnatural History]]''. He recalls that Baelor the Blessed had ordered all Barth's writings destroyed when he came to the Iron Throne. Ten years ago, he had read a fragment of ''Unnatural History'' that had eluded the Blessed Baelor, but he doubts that any of Barth's work found its way across the [[narrow sea]].
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Aboard the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' while writing [[Tyrion Lannister's dragonlore|his dragonlore]], [[Tyrion Lannister]] thinks of the various books about dragons he would like to get his hands on. He is not hopeful concerning Septon Barth's ''[[Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns: Their Unnatural History]]''. He recalls that King [[Baelor I Targaryen]] had ordered all Barth's writings destroyed when he came to the [[Iron Throne]]. Tyrion had read a surviving fragment of ''Unnatural History'' ten years ago, but he doubts that any of the septon's work found its way across the [[narrow sea]].{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
  
Later, outside of [[Meereen]] on his way to the camp of the [[Second Sons]], the escaped slave Tyrion sees that the [[Yunkai]] besiegers are making preparations in case [[Drogon]] should return. He knows how hard dragons are to kill and is scornful of these would-be dragonslayers, remembering Barth's writings in ''Unnatural History''.{{Ref|aDwD|57}}
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Later, outside of [[Meereen]] on his way to the camp of the [[Second Sons]], the escaped slave Tyrion sees that the [[Yunkai]]'i besiegers are making preparations in case [[Drogon]] should return. He knows how hard dragons are to kill and is scornful of these would-be dragonslayers, remembering Barth's writings in ''Unnatural History''.{{Ref|ADWD|57}}
  
 
==Quotes by Barth==
 
==Quotes by Barth==
{{Quote|It has been three days since the [[Aerea Targaryen|princess]] perished, and I have not slept. I do not know that I shall ever sleep again. [[Mother (the Seven)|The Mother]] is merciful, I have always believed, and [[Father (the Seven)|the Father Above]] judges each man justly... but there was no mercy and no justice in what befell our poor princess. How could the gods be so blind or so uncaring as to permit such horror? Or is it possible that there are other deities in this universe, monstrous evil gods such as the [[Red priest|priests]] of Red [[R'hllor]] preach against, against whose malice the kings of men and the gods of men are naught but flies?<br> I do not know. I do not want to know. If this makes me a faithless [[septon]], so be it.{{Ref|fab|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}|Barth in his account on the death of [[Aerea Targaryen]]}}
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{{Quote|We are as [[Faith of the Seven|the gods]] made us, strong and weak, good and bad, cruel and kind, heroic and selfish. Know that if you would rule over the kingdoms of men.{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}|writings of Barth}}
 
 
  
{{Quote|[[Father (the Seven)|The Father]] made men curious, some say to test our [[Faith of the Seven|faith]]. It is my own abiding sin that whenever I come upon a door I must needs see what lies upon the farther side, but certain doors are best left unopened.{{Ref|fab|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}|Barth in his account on the death of [[Aerea Targaryen]]}}
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{{Quote|[[Father (the Seven)|The Father]] made men curious, some say to test our [[Faith of the Seven|faith]]. It is my own abiding sin that whenever I come upon a door I must needs see what lies upon the farther side, but certain doors are best left unopened.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}|Barth in his account on the death of [[Aerea Targaryen]]}}
  
 
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{{Quote|Death comes out of the [[Dragonflame|dragon's mouth]], but death does not go in that way.{{Ref|ADWD|57}}|Barth in ''[[Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns: Their Unnatural History]]''}}
{{Quote|Death comes out of the [[dragon]]'s mouth, but death does not go in that way.{{Ref|aDwD|57}}|Barth in ''[[Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns: Their Unnatural History]]''}}
 
  
 
==Quotes about Barth==
 
==Quotes about Barth==
{{Quote|If his father beat out swords and shod horses, so be it. A knight needs his sword, a horse needs shoes, and I need Barth|[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] on making Barth his [[Hand of the King]]{{Ref|fab|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}}}
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{{Quote|If his father beat out [[swords]] and shod [[horse]]s, so be it. A [[knight]] needs his sword, a horse needs shoes, and I need Barth.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}|[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] to [[Qarl Corbray]]}}
 
 
  
{{Quote|As for birth, the [[House Targaryen|dragonkings]] oft chose [[Hand of the King|Hands]] from their own blood, with results as various as [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor Breakspear]] and [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor the Cruel]]. Against this you have, Septon Barth, the blacksmith's son the [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Old King]] plucked from the [[Red Keep]]'s library, who gave the realm forty years of peace and plenty.{{Ref|asos|54}}|[[Pylos]] to [[Davos Seaworth]]}}
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{{Quote|As for birth, the [[House Targaryen|dragonkings]] oft chose [[Hand of the King|Hands]] from their own blood, with results as various as [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor Breakspear]] and [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor the Cruel]]. Against this you have, Septon Barth, the blacksmith's son the [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Old King]] plucked from the [[Red Keep]]'s library, who gave the [[Seven Kingdoms|realm]] forty years of peace and plenty.{{Ref|ASOS|54}}|[[Pylos]] to [[Davos Seaworth]]}}
  
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{{Quote|What fools we were, who thought ourselves so wise! The error crept in from [[The prince that was promised|the translation]]. [[Dragon]]s are neither male nor female, Barth saw the truth of that, but now one and now the other, as changeable as flame. The language misled us all for a thousand years.{{Ref|AFFC|35}}|[[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] to [[Samwell Tarly]]}}
  
{{Quote|What fools we were, who thought ourselves so wise! The error crept in from the translation. [[Dragon]]s are neither male nor female, Barth saw the truth of that, but now one and now the other, as changeable as flame. The language misled us all for a thousand years.{{Ref|aFfC|35}}|[[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]], talking of [[the prince that was promised]]}}
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Revision as of 21:28, 27 July 2022

Star of the Faith.svg
Barth
Star of the Faith.svg
Barth.png
Septon Barth as depicted in Game of Thrones: Histories & Lore.

Titles
Allegiances
Culture Reach
Born In or before 37 AC[1]
Died In 98 AC[2][N 1]Red Keep[3]
Books

Barth was a septon who served as Hand of the King for King Jaehaerys I Targaryen.

Character

Barth is considered by historians to have been King Jaehaerys I Targaryen's greatest friend. Barth was plainspoken but brilliant.[4] He was considered a man of great ability.[5] Archmaester Gyldayn has described him as "the wisest man ever to serve as the Hand of the King."[6] However, Barth's enemies claimed he was more sorcerer than septon.[7]

History

Early life

Barth was a blacksmith's son.[8][7] He was given to the Faith of the Seven when he was young,[4] and eventually took a septon's vows. Barth served at first at Highgarden.[9] Thanks to his brilliance,[4] in 50 AC Barth was sent to King's Landing to see to the library of the Red Keep. According to legend, Barth traveled on his own on a donkey.[9]

In 51 AC, Barth officiated the second marriage of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and Queen Alysanne Targaryen, and along with Septon Oswyck he aided the king in writing the Doctrine of Exceptionalism.[9] After Oswyck died in early 54 AC, Barth took over his duties. By 54 AC, Barth had become one of Jaehaerys's most trusted advisors. When the High Septon died that year, Jaehaerys entertained the idea of trying to persuade the Most Devout to name Barth to the office; Barth personally persuaded him not to do so. Barth was horrified by the suggestions of influencing the choosing with gold, force of arms, and secret assassinations, and wrote down an account on how King Jaehaerys managed to influence the choosing by traveling to Oldtown, expressing regret about the corruption among the Most Devout.[5]

When Lord Daemon Velaryon resigned as Hand of the King, King Jaehaerys at first looked at Barth, among others, to fill the office. However, due to his low birth, and due to the fact that it was suspected that Barth was more loyal to the Faith than to the Iron Throne, he was not chosen.

In 55 AC, Barth, King Jaehaerys, Queen Alysanne, Grand Maester Benifer, and Lord Albin Massey began creating the first unified code of law for the entire Seven Kingdoms. It would take them decades, and Barth alone contributed three times more than any other on his Great Code.[10]

When the severely-ill Princess Aerea Targaryen returned to King's Landing in 56 AC on Balerion after having been missing for more than a year, Barth helped Benifer care for her. He announced to Jaehaerys and Alysanne, who waited outside the Grand Maester's chambers, when Aerea had died. Barth wrote two accounts on Aerea's death, which speak about the horrors that came forth from the girl, and in which he speculates about what had happened to her. They were kept in Barth's private papers, and were only discovered a hundred years later. The incident with Aerea left a strong impression on Barth, and afterwards he began research that eventually led to his book Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns: Their Unnatural History.[10]

Hand of the King

After Lord Myles Smallwood resigned as Hand of the King in 57 AC, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen appointed Barth to the office.[10] He would hold the office for forty-one years,[3] during which time he proved himself worthy of the position.[4]

Barth's first task as the King's Hand was a diplomatic journey to Braavos, to treat with the Sealord over the three dragon eggs stolen by Elissa Farman. It was suspected that Elissa had sold them to the Sealord to pay for the construction of her ship, Sun Chaser, but when Barth confronted the Sealord, the man denied having the eggs. Barth returned to King's Landing without the eggs, causing some lords to claim that he had failed at his first task. However, Barth instead struck a deal with the Sealord, removing the Crown's loans to the Iron Bank of Braavos, and thereby reducing the Iron Throne's debt by half.[10]

Thanks to the reduction in debt, King Jaehaerys began making improvements to the living conditions of King's Landing. Barth argued in favor of constructing wells, both within the city and without, pipes and tunnels to bring the water within the city's walls, and four cisterns to store the water in. This way, the drinking water available for the smallfolk of the city would be improved. Barth's proposals were supported by Queen Alysanne Targaryen, and eventually King Jaehaerys and his master of coin, Rego Draz, approved the plan, after Alysanne presented them each with a tankard of foul water from the Blackwater Rush and dared them to drink it.[10]

In 58 AC, Barth supported Queen Alysanne when she assembled the small council to request them to outlaw the right to the first night. Following a short speech by Barth, in which he explained how the first night collided with the views of the Faith, insisting that the High Septon would no doubt support the plan, Jaehaerys agreed to outlaw the ancient custom.[10]

In 60 AC, Barth suggested Lord Martyn Tyrell for the office of master of coin, a position which had been empty since the murder of Rego the year before. Although Barth could not praise Martyn's wits, he mentioned that Martyn's wife, Lady Florence Fossoway, had been keeping the accounts at Highgarden for years and had increased the incomes by a third. Insisting that Barth had never let him wrong, Jaehaerys appointed Martyn as his new master of coin.[10]

In 84 AC, Barth stood as one of the witnesses when King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne confronted their daughter Saera with recent events involving her favorites. When Alysanne, following the death of Princess Viserra Targaryen in 87 AC, pleaded with Jaehaerys to allow the exiled Saera to return home, she brought Barth with her for support. They could not convince Jaehaerys, however, to bring Saera home.[2]

In 98 AC,[N 1] Barth died peacefully in his sleep. He was succeeded as Hand by Ser Ryam Redwyne.[3][2]

Writings and beliefs

Barth is the author of Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns: Their Unnatural History, and he left many accounts on the reign of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen. Barth's writings were ordered destroyed by King Baelor I Targaryen when he came to the Iron Throne, although some fragments have survived.[11][7] According to Tyrion Lannister, however, it is unlikely that any of Barth's work has found its way across the narrow sea.[7]

Although some parts of Barth's Unnatural History is considered controversial and wicked, most parts are not.[11]

Barth claimed that dragons were neither male nor female.[12] Barth, Munkun, and Thomax hold markedly divergent views on the mating habits of dragons.[7] Barth further ruled out that dragons are vulnerable through their mouths, writing that "Death comes out of the dragon's mouth, but death does not go in that way."[13] Barth further speculated that the bloodmages of Valyria used wyvern stock to create dragons.[14]

Lady Alicent Hightower was reading from Barth's Unnatural History to King Jaehaerys I when he died abed in 103 AC.[3] Barth has argued, in a fragmentary treatise, that the inconsistent length of the seasons is due to some magical art.[15]

Recent Events

A Storm of Swords

When Davos Seaworth feels insecure about his new position as Hand of the King to Stannis Baratheon due to his low birth, Maester Pylos reassures him by explaining the prosperous and peaceful tenures of the humbly-born Septon Barth and his time as Hand to illustrate that high birth does not equal ability.[8]

A Feast for Crows

In Braavos, the dying Maester Aemon hears the talk of Daenerys Targaryen and her dragons emanating from Qarth. He tells Samwell Tarly that Daenerys is the one, born amidst salt and smoke and that her dragons prove it. Aemon explains to Sam that no one ever looked for a girl, as it was a prince that was promised, not a princess. Aemon says Barth was correct in believing that dragons are neither male nor female, instead being as changeable as flame.[12]

Aboard the Cinnamon Wind Aemon's wits wander and his talk is all a jumble. He asks Sam to read for him from a book by Septon Barth.[12]

A Dance with Dragons

Aboard the Shy Maid while writing his dragonlore, Tyrion Lannister thinks of the various books about dragons he would like to get his hands on. He is not hopeful concerning Septon Barth's Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns: Their Unnatural History. He recalls that King Baelor I Targaryen had ordered all Barth's writings destroyed when he came to the Iron Throne. Tyrion had read a surviving fragment of Unnatural History ten years ago, but he doubts that any of the septon's work found its way across the narrow sea.[7]

Later, outside of Meereen on his way to the camp of the Second Sons, the escaped slave Tyrion sees that the Yunkai'i besiegers are making preparations in case Drogon should return. He knows how hard dragons are to kill and is scornful of these would-be dragonslayers, remembering Barth's writings in Unnatural History.[13]

Quotes by Barth

We are as the gods made us, strong and weak, good and bad, cruel and kind, heroic and selfish. Know that if you would rule over the kingdoms of men.[6]

—writings of Barth

The Father made men curious, some say to test our faith. It is my own abiding sin that whenever I come upon a door I must needs see what lies upon the farther side, but certain doors are best left unopened.[10]

—Barth in his account on the death of Aerea Targaryen

Death comes out of the dragon's mouth, but death does not go in that way.[13]

Quotes about Barth

If his father beat out swords and shod horses, so be it. A knight needs his sword, a horse needs shoes, and I need Barth.[10]

As for birth, the dragonkings oft chose Hands from their own blood, with results as various as Baelor Breakspear and Maegor the Cruel. Against this you have, Septon Barth, the blacksmith's son the Old King plucked from the Red Keep's library, who gave the realm forty years of peace and plenty.[8]

What fools we were, who thought ourselves so wise! The error crept in from the translation. Dragons are neither male nor female, Barth saw the truth of that, but now one and now the other, as changeable as flame. The language misled us all for a thousand years.[12]

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 The World of Ice & Fire states that Barth died in 99 AC in The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I. However, the more recently published Fire & Blood has changed this to 98 AC.

References

  1. See the Barth calculation.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Fire & Blood, The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Fire & Blood, A Surfeit of Rulers.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 14, Tyrion IV.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 54, Davos V.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Fire & Blood, A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 Fire & Blood, Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies.
  11. 11.0 11.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 35, Samwell IV.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 57, Tyrion XI.
  14. The World of Ice & Fire, Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos.
  15. The World of Ice & Fire, Ancient History: The Long Night.