Albin Massey

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House Massey.svg Lord
Albin Massey
House Massey.svg
Titles
Allegiance House Massey[1]
Culture Crownlands[1]
Died In 59 ACKing's Landing[2]
Father Lord Massey
Books

Albin Massey was the Lord of Stonedance and the head of House Massey in the reign of kings Maegor I and Jaehaerys I Targaryen.[1][3]

He served Jaehaerys I as master of laws from 50 AC until his death in 59 AC.[1][2]

Appearance and Character

Albin Massey was born with a twisted spine and a bent back that condemned him to walk with a limp.[1]

He was known for his sharp mind and did not lack for wits.[1] During his tenure as master of laws, he proved to be a man of great skills and an able councilor, earning the trust and gratitude of Jaehaerys I Targaryen.[2][4]

History

Albin Massey was the third son of the Lord of Stonedance. Born with a limp, Albin had been sent to the Citadel to forge a chain and become a maester. However, in 47 AC a fever killed Albin's older brothers and lord father, making him the new Lord of Stonedance.[1]

When the high lords of the realm began revolting against Maegor I Targaryen in 48 AC, a score of lesser lords gathered at King's Landing at Maegor's command, including Albin. However, their numbers were few and many soon lost heart. Shortly after, Maegor was found dead upon the Iron Throne and Prince Jaehaerys claimed his uncle's throne.[3] In the chaos that followed Maegor's death, Albin fled back to Stonedance.[5] During Jaehaerys' minority, Albin was the first lord to visit the young king at Dragonstone, with other noblemen following his lead.[6]

In 50 AC, Lord Albin was given a seat on the small council and named lord justiciar and master of laws by Jaehaerys I when the king came of age. After Jaehaerys dismissed Septon Mattheus from court, Albin was rumored to have remarked that the king required three persons to replace the corpulent prelate.[1] After Mattheus was feared to become the High Septon, Albin suggested silencing the septon with a sudden, mysterious death. Jaehaerys quickly dismissed this suggestion.[4]

After Lord Daemon Velaryon resigned as Hand of the King, Jaehaerys considered Albin for the office, but found him to be unsuitable. Albin himself counseled the king that he served him better from the shadows, for his twisted appearance would strike the ignorant as somehow sinister.[4] In 55 AC, Albin assisted King Jaehaerys in codifying, reorganizing, and reforming the kingdom's laws, creating a single book of law for the Seven Kingdoms. He initially justified the right of the first night by noting that the practice originated from the Age of Heroes when it was considered a blessing for an ancient warrior to sleep with a maid on her wedding night.[7]

Lord Albin perished during the harsh winter of 59 AC from the Shivers. Jaehaerys did not find it easy to replace him as master of laws, but Albin was ultimately succeeded in the office by Lord Rodrik Arryn.[2]

Quotes by Albin

I do not limp when I read, nor when I write.[1]

—Albin

There is more to the first night than lust, Your Grace. The practice is an ancient one, older than the Andals, older than the Faith. It goes back to the Dawn Age, I do not doubt. The First Men were a savage race, and like the wildings beyond the Wall, they followed only strength. Their lords and kings were warriors, mighty men and heroes, and they wanted their sons to be the same. If a warlord chose to bestow his seed upon some maid on her wedding night, it was seen as … a sort of blessing. And if a child should come of the coupling, so much the better. The husband could then claim the honor of raising a hero's son as his own.[7]

—Albin to Alysanne Targaryen

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 Fire & Blood, A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Fire & Blood, The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I.
  5. Fire & Blood, The Ascension of Jaehaerys I.
  6. Fire & Blood, A Surfeit of Rulers.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Fire & Blood, Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies.
Unknown
Last known title holder:
Lucifer Massey
Lord of Stonedance
?–59 AC
Unknown
Next known title holder:
Gormon Massey
Preceded by Master of laws
Lord justiciar

5059 AC
Served under: Jaehaerys I Targaryen
Succeeded by