Difference between revisions of "Godswood of Winterfell"
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− | [[File:D8a3b2e009da3ca800295235ca73cbc0.jpg|thumb|[[Eddard Stark]] cleaning [[Ice]] beneath the [[heart tree]] | + | [[File:D8a3b2e009da3ca800295235ca73cbc0.jpg|thumb|[[Eddard Stark]] cleaning [[Ice]] beneath the [[heart tree]], by Mike S. Miller]] |
− | The '''godswood of Winterfell''' consists of three acres of forest within the walls of [[Winterfell]], the seat of [[House Stark]] in the [[north]]. The [[ | + | The '''godswood of Winterfell''' consists of three acres of forest within the walls of [[Winterfell]], the seat of [[House Stark]] in the [[north]]. The [[heart tree]] of the [[godswood]] is a [[weirwood]].{{ref|AGOT|2}} |
==Layout== | ==Layout== | ||
− | The godswood's multitude of trees create a dense canopy over old, packed earth and humus and moss. Common trees includes ash, chestnut, hawthorn, [[ironwood]], | + | The godswood's multitude of trees create a dense canopy over old, packed earth and humus and moss. Common trees includes ash,{{ref|ACOK|28}} chestnut,{{ref|ADWD|37}} elm,{{ref|ADWD|37}} hawthorn,{{ref|ACOK|46}} [[ironwood]],{{ref|AGOT|2}} [[oak]],{{ref|AGOT|2}} [[sentinel]],{{ref|AGOT|2}} and [[soldier pine]],{{ref|ACOK|49}} and the wood also has blackberry bushes.{{ref|ACOK|46}} The godswood contains a meandering footpath of cracked stones.{{ref|ADWD|37}} |
− | Across the godswood from the heart tree, beneath the windows of the Guest House, an underground hot spring feeds three small pools, with a moss-covered wall looming above them. The godswood is enclosed by walls, and is accessed by a main iron gate, | + | At the center of the grove stands an ancient [[weirwood]] with a melancholy face carved into it, a [[heart tree]] standing over a pool of cold black water.{{Ref|AGOT|2}}{{ref|ADWD|37}} [[Snow shrike]]s can be seen when the godswood is covered in snow,{{ref|AGOT|63}} and squirrels live in the oak trees.{{ref|ACOK|4}}{{ref|ADWD|37}} |
+ | |||
+ | Across the godswood from the heart tree, beneath the windows of the Guest House, an underground hot spring feeds three small pools, with a moss-covered wall looming above them.{{ref|AGOT|53}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | The godswood is enclosed by walls, and is accessed by a main iron gate,{{ref|ACOK|46}} wooden doors,{{ref|ACOK|46}} and an arched stone door.{{ref|ADWD|37}} There is a tall sentinel near the armory wall.{{ref|AGOT|8}} | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
− | Winterfell | + | The [[godswood]] of [[Winterfell]] may date back ten thousand years.{{ref|AGOT|2}} According to legend, the face on its [[weirwood]] was carved by [[children of the forest]].{{ref|AGOT|2}} [[Brandon the Builder]] is said to have built the castle around the grove{{ref|AGOT|2}} and prayed in the ancient godswood.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}} |
+ | |||
+ | According to [[Mushroom]], Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] married [[Sara Snow]] before the godswood's [[heart tree]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} [[Cregan Stark]], [[Lord of Winterfell]], wed [[Alysanne Blackwood]] in the icy godswood in {{date|132}}.{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} | ||
− | [[Eddard Stark]] | + | Lord [[Eddard Stark]] always visits the godswood after taking a man's life.{{ref|AGOT|2}} Eddard once ordered one of his sons, [[Bran Stark]], to spend a night cleansing himself in the godswood after climbing Winterfell's walls without permission.{{ref|AGOT|8}} [[Theon Greyjoy]], a ward of Eddard, skipped stones across the black pool and hunted squirrels with a self-made bow in his youth, and the older Theon often recuperates in the hot springs after sparring with [[Robb Stark]] and [[Jory Cassel]].{{ref|ADWD|37}} Theon also had some of his first romantic experiences in the grove.{{ref|ADWD|37}} [[Hodor]] enjoys soaking in the warmest pool.{{ref|AGOT|53}} |
==Recent Events== | ==Recent Events== | ||
===''A Game of Thrones''=== | ===''A Game of Thrones''=== | ||
− | [[File:Cristi Balanescu wolves of the north cover.jpg|thumb||450px|Lord [[Eddard Stark]] in the godswood with two [[direwolves]] | + | [[File:Cristi Balanescu wolves of the north cover.jpg|thumb||450px|Lord [[Eddard Stark]] in the godswood with two [[direwolves]], by Cristi Balanescu © Fantasy Flight Games]] |
− | Following the execution of the deserter [[Gared]], Lady [[Catelyn Stark]] finds her husband, Lord [[Eddard Stark]], cleaning [[Ice]] | + | Following the execution of the deserter [[Gared]], Lady [[Catelyn Stark]] finds her husband, Lord [[Eddard Stark]], cleaning [[Ice]] by the [[weirwood]]. Catelyn, a [[southron]], is unnerved by Winterfell's forest.{{ref|AGOT|2}} [[Bran Stark]] tries to teach [[Summer|his direwolf pup]] how to fetch a stick in the godswood.{{ref|AGOT|8}} |
− | [[ | + | While Bran contemplates in the godswood, [[Hodor]] relaxes in the heated pools. [[Osha]] tells the crippled boy about life [[beyond the Wall]].{{ref|AGOT|53}} |
===''A Clash of Kings''=== | ===''A Clash of Kings''=== | ||
− | Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] confines the direwolves [[Summer]] and [[Shaggydog]] to the godswood after the latter bites [[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Little Walder Frey]]. The children later play [[lord of the crossing]] at one of the pools.{{ref|ACOK|4}} | + | Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] confines the direwolves [[Summer]] and [[Shaggydog]] to the godswood after the latter bites [[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Little Walder Frey]]. The children later play [[lord of the crossing]] at one of the pools. When [[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Little Walder Frey]] knocks [[Rickon Stark]] into the water, Shaggydog leaps at Walder.{{ref|ACOK|4}} The direwolves try to escape the godswood by digging under the iron gate, but large flat stones underneath prevent them from doing so.{{ref|ACOK|46}} |
+ | |||
+ | Bran has several [[skinchanger|visions]] of Summer in the godswood.{{ref|ACOK|4}}{{ref|ACOK|21}}{{ref|ACOK|46}} The boy's favorite spot is by the weirwood, and on one occasion he finds Osha swimming in the cold pool beneath the [[heart tree]].{{ref|ACOK|16}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[Meera Reed|Meera]] and [[Jojen Reed]] come to Winterfell for the [[harvest feast]], and they visit the direwolves in the godswood after Bran goes to bed.{{ref|ACOK|21}} Meera later practices her skills with the net against Summer in the godswood.{{ref|ACOK|28}} | ||
− | + | During the [[capture of Winterfell]] by [[Theon Greyjoy]] and his [[ironborn]], Summer unsuccessfully tries to climb a falling tree to escape.{{ref|ACOK|46}} Theon keeps the direwolves in the godswood after declaring himself [[Prince of Winterfell]].{{ref|ACOK|46}}{{ref|ACOK|51}} Osha and Hodor bring the direwolves with them when they help Bran and Rickon escape Winterfell.{{ref|ACOK|50}} | |
− | [[ | + | [[Ramsay Snow]] orders the [[sack of Winterfell]] by [[House Bolton]], but the damp soil and green wood of the trees leads to only a few pines being scorched in the godswood. After emerging from the [[crypts of Winterfell]], Bran find Maester [[Luwin]] dying beneath the heart tree. Osha gives him the [[gift of mercy]].{{ref|ACOK|69}} |
===''A Storm of Swords''=== | ===''A Storm of Swords''=== | ||
[[Sansa Stark]], hiding at the [[Eyrie]], uses twigs and fallen branches to represent the godswood while making a snow castle of Winterfell.{{ref|ASOS|80}} | [[Sansa Stark]], hiding at the [[Eyrie]], uses twigs and fallen branches to represent the godswood while making a snow castle of Winterfell.{{ref|ASOS|80}} | ||
− | After the [[battle beneath the Wall]], [[Stannis Baratheon]] offers to name [[Jon Snow]] as Lord of Winterfell.{{ref|ASOS|76}} Jon declines, however, as [[Melisandre]] would require him to burn the godswood's heart tree.{{ref|ASOS|79}} | + | After the [[battle beneath the Wall]], [[Stannis Baratheon]] offers to name [[Jon Snow]] as [[Lord of Winterfell]].{{ref|ASOS|76}} Jon declines, however, as [[Melisandre]] would require him to burn the godswood's heart tree.{{ref|ASOS|79}} |
===''A Dance with Dragons''=== | ===''A Dance with Dragons''=== | ||
− | [[File:Adwd the turncloak by cabepfir.jpg|thumb|[[Theon Greyjoy]] begging the old gods for help | + | [[File:Adwd the turncloak by cabepfir.jpg|thumb|[[Theon Greyjoy]] begging the old gods for help, by Cecilia Latella ©]] |
− | The [[three-eyed crow]] trains Bran in a [[cave of the three-eyed crow|cave]] found [[beyond the Wall]]. Looking through the eyes of the heart tree, Bran has | + | The [[three-eyed crow]] trains Bran in a [[cave of the three-eyed crow|cave]] found [[beyond the Wall]]. Looking through the eyes of the heart tree, Bran has visions of events which occurred in the godswood in the past.{{ref|ADWD|34}} |
− | In the aftermath of the [[Red Wedding]] and [[Roose Bolton]] being named [[Warden of the North]], his son | + | In the aftermath of the [[Red Wedding]] and [[Roose Bolton]] being named [[Warden of the North]], his son Ramsay weds "[[Arya Stark]]" (actually [[Jeyne Poole]]) in Winterfell's misty, candle-lit godswood. The hot springs prevent the ground from freezing.{{ref|ADWD|37}} |
− | [[Theon Greyjoy]], Ramsay's prisoner, is allowed to wander the castle. He frequently visits the godswood and observes it is often full of praying northmen during daylight.{{ref|ADWD|46}} During one visit Theon thinks he hears the | + | [[Theon Greyjoy]], Ramsay's prisoner, is allowed to wander the castle. He frequently visits the godswood and observes it is often full of praying northmen during daylight.{{ref|ADWD|46}} During one visit, Theon thinks he hears the weirwood's leaves whisper his name as well as that of Bran.{{ref|ADWD|46}} |
==Quotes== | ==Quotes== | ||
+ | {{quote|It was a dark, primal place, three acres of old forest untouched for ten thousand years as [[Winterfell|the gloomy castle]] rose around it. It smelled of moist earth and decay.{{ref|AGOT|2}}|thoughts of [[Catelyn Stark]]}} | ||
− | {{Quote|He remembered their godswood; the tall [[sentinel]]s armored in their grey-green needles, the great oaks, the hawthorn and ash and [[soldier pine]]s, and at the center the [[heart tree]] standing like some pale giant frozen in time. He could almost smell the place, earthy and brooding, the smell of centuries, and he remembered how dark the wood had been even by day. That wood was [[Winterfell]]. It was the [[north]]. I never felt so out of place as I did when I walked there, so much an unwelcome intruder. He wondered if the [[House Greyjoy|Greyjoys]] would feel it too. The castle might well be theirs, but never that godswood. Not in a year, or ten, or fifty.{{ref|ACOK|49}} | + | {{Quote|He remembered their godswood; the tall [[sentinel]]s armored in their grey-green needles, the great oaks, the hawthorn and ash and [[soldier pine]]s, and at the center the [[heart tree]] standing like some pale giant frozen in time. He could almost smell the place, earthy and brooding, the smell of centuries, and he remembered how dark the wood had been even by day. That wood was [[Winterfell]]. It was the [[north]]. I never felt so out of place as I did when I walked there, so much an unwelcome intruder. He wondered if the [[House Greyjoy|Greyjoys]] would feel it too. The castle might well be theirs, but never that godswood. Not in a year, or ten, or fifty.{{ref|ACOK|49}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}} |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
+ | {{quote|The red leaves of the [[weirwood]] were a blaze of flame among the green. [[Eddard Stark|Ned Stark's]] tree, he thought, and Stark's wood, Stark's [[Winterfell|castle]], Stark's [[old gods|gods]]. This is their place, not mine.{{ref|ACOK|56}}|thoughts of [[Theon Greyjoy]]}} | ||
− | {{ | + | {{Quote|Candles flickered beside the wandering path and back amongst the trees, pale fireflies floating in a warm grey soup. It felt like some strange underworld, some timeless place between the worlds, where the damned wandered mournfully for a time before finding their way down to whatever hell their sins had earned them.{{Ref|ADWD|37}}|thoughts of [[Theon Greyjoy]]}} |
− | + | {{quote|And for one strange moment it seemed as if it were Bran's face carved into the pale trunk of the [[weirwood]], staring down at him with eyes red and wise and sad. [[Bran Stark|Bran's]] ghost, he thought, but that was madness.{{ref|ADWD|46}}|thoughts of [[Theon Greyjoy]]}} | |
==References== | ==References== | ||
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[[Category:Forests]] | [[Category:Forests]] | ||
[[Category:Winterfell]] | [[Category:Winterfell]] | ||
+ | |||
[[es:Bosque de Dioses de Invernalia]] | [[es:Bosque de Dioses de Invernalia]] |
Revision as of 17:56, 26 May 2023
The godswood of Winterfell consists of three acres of forest within the walls of Winterfell, the seat of House Stark in the north. The heart tree of the godswood is a weirwood.[1]
Contents
Layout
The godswood's multitude of trees create a dense canopy over old, packed earth and humus and moss. Common trees includes ash,[2] chestnut,[3] elm,[3] hawthorn,[4] ironwood,[1] oak,[1] sentinel,[1] and soldier pine,[5] and the wood also has blackberry bushes.[4] The godswood contains a meandering footpath of cracked stones.[3]
At the center of the grove stands an ancient weirwood with a melancholy face carved into it, a heart tree standing over a pool of cold black water.[1][3] Snow shrikes can be seen when the godswood is covered in snow,[6] and squirrels live in the oak trees.[7][3]
Across the godswood from the heart tree, beneath the windows of the Guest House, an underground hot spring feeds three small pools, with a moss-covered wall looming above them.[8]
The godswood is enclosed by walls, and is accessed by a main iron gate,[4] wooden doors,[4] and an arched stone door.[3] There is a tall sentinel near the armory wall.[9]
History
The godswood of Winterfell may date back ten thousand years.[1] According to legend, the face on its weirwood was carved by children of the forest.[1] Brandon the Builder is said to have built the castle around the grove[1] and prayed in the ancient godswood.[10]
According to Mushroom, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon married Sara Snow before the godswood's heart tree during the Dance of the Dragons.[11] Cregan Stark, Lord of Winterfell, wed Alysanne Blackwood in the icy godswood in 132 AC.[12]
Lord Eddard Stark always visits the godswood after taking a man's life.[1] Eddard once ordered one of his sons, Bran Stark, to spend a night cleansing himself in the godswood after climbing Winterfell's walls without permission.[9] Theon Greyjoy, a ward of Eddard, skipped stones across the black pool and hunted squirrels with a self-made bow in his youth, and the older Theon often recuperates in the hot springs after sparring with Robb Stark and Jory Cassel.[3] Theon also had some of his first romantic experiences in the grove.[3] Hodor enjoys soaking in the warmest pool.[8]
Recent Events
A Game of Thrones
Following the execution of the deserter Gared, Lady Catelyn Stark finds her husband, Lord Eddard Stark, cleaning Ice by the weirwood. Catelyn, a southron, is unnerved by Winterfell's forest.[1] Bran Stark tries to teach his direwolf pup how to fetch a stick in the godswood.[9]
While Bran contemplates in the godswood, Hodor relaxes in the heated pools. Osha tells the crippled boy about life beyond the Wall.[8]
A Clash of Kings
Ser Rodrik Cassel confines the direwolves Summer and Shaggydog to the godswood after the latter bites Little Walder Frey. The children later play lord of the crossing at one of the pools. When Little Walder Frey knocks Rickon Stark into the water, Shaggydog leaps at Walder.[7] The direwolves try to escape the godswood by digging under the iron gate, but large flat stones underneath prevent them from doing so.[4]
Bran has several visions of Summer in the godswood.[7][13][4] The boy's favorite spot is by the weirwood, and on one occasion he finds Osha swimming in the cold pool beneath the heart tree.[14]
Meera and Jojen Reed come to Winterfell for the harvest feast, and they visit the direwolves in the godswood after Bran goes to bed.[13] Meera later practices her skills with the net against Summer in the godswood.[2]
During the capture of Winterfell by Theon Greyjoy and his ironborn, Summer unsuccessfully tries to climb a falling tree to escape.[4] Theon keeps the direwolves in the godswood after declaring himself Prince of Winterfell.[4][15] Osha and Hodor bring the direwolves with them when they help Bran and Rickon escape Winterfell.[16]
Ramsay Snow orders the sack of Winterfell by House Bolton, but the damp soil and green wood of the trees leads to only a few pines being scorched in the godswood. After emerging from the crypts of Winterfell, Bran find Maester Luwin dying beneath the heart tree. Osha gives him the gift of mercy.[17]
A Storm of Swords
Sansa Stark, hiding at the Eyrie, uses twigs and fallen branches to represent the godswood while making a snow castle of Winterfell.[18]
After the battle beneath the Wall, Stannis Baratheon offers to name Jon Snow as Lord of Winterfell.[19] Jon declines, however, as Melisandre would require him to burn the godswood's heart tree.[20]
A Dance with Dragons
The three-eyed crow trains Bran in a cave found beyond the Wall. Looking through the eyes of the heart tree, Bran has visions of events which occurred in the godswood in the past.[21]
In the aftermath of the Red Wedding and Roose Bolton being named Warden of the North, his son Ramsay weds "Arya Stark" (actually Jeyne Poole) in Winterfell's misty, candle-lit godswood. The hot springs prevent the ground from freezing.[3]
Theon Greyjoy, Ramsay's prisoner, is allowed to wander the castle. He frequently visits the godswood and observes it is often full of praying northmen during daylight.[22] During one visit, Theon thinks he hears the weirwood's leaves whisper his name as well as that of Bran.[22]
Quotes
It was a dark, primal place, three acres of old forest untouched for ten thousand years as the gloomy castle rose around it. It smelled of moist earth and decay.[1]
—thoughts of Catelyn Stark
He remembered their godswood; the tall sentinels armored in their grey-green needles, the great oaks, the hawthorn and ash and soldier pines, and at the center the heart tree standing like some pale giant frozen in time. He could almost smell the place, earthy and brooding, the smell of centuries, and he remembered how dark the wood had been even by day. That wood was Winterfell. It was the north. I never felt so out of place as I did when I walked there, so much an unwelcome intruder. He wondered if the Greyjoys would feel it too. The castle might well be theirs, but never that godswood. Not in a year, or ten, or fifty.[5]
—thoughts of Tyrion Lannister
The red leaves of the weirwood were a blaze of flame among the green. Ned Stark's tree, he thought, and Stark's wood, Stark's castle, Stark's gods. This is their place, not mine.[23]
—thoughts of Theon Greyjoy
Candles flickered beside the wandering path and back amongst the trees, pale fireflies floating in a warm grey soup. It felt like some strange underworld, some timeless place between the worlds, where the damned wandered mournfully for a time before finding their way down to whatever hell their sins had earned them.[3]
—thoughts of Theon Greyjoy
And for one strange moment it seemed as if it were Bran's face carved into the pale trunk of the weirwood, staring down at him with eyes red and wise and sad. Bran's ghost, he thought, but that was madness.[22]
—thoughts of Theon Greyjoy
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 2, Catelyn I.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 28, Bran IV.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 37, The Prince of Winterfell.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 46, Bran VI.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 49, Tyrion XI.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 63, Catelyn X.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 4, Bran I.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 53, Bran VI.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 8, Bran II.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The North: Winterfell.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 21, Bran III.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 16, Bran II.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 51, Jon VI.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 50, Theon IV.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 69, Bran VII.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 80, Sansa VII.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 76, Jon XI.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 79, Jon XII.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 34, Bran III.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 46, A Ghost in Winterfell.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 56, Theon V.