Tourney at Ashford Meadow

From A Wiki of Ice and Fire
(Redirected from Ashford tourney)
Jump to: navigation, search
Ser Lyonel Baratheon, the Laughing Storm, by Tiziano Baracchi © Fantasy Flight Games

The tourney at Ashford Meadow[1][2] or tourney at Ashford[3] was a tourney hosted by House Ashford at Ashford Meadow in 209 AC. Due to the accidental death of Prince Baelor Targaryen — the Prince of Dragonstone, son and heir of King Daeron II Targaryen, and Hand of the King — Ashford was one of the most famous and historically significant tourneys.

History

Lord Ashford staged the tourney to celebrate his daughter's thirteenth name day. His daughter was the queen of love and beauty and would have five champions to defend her honor. All other entrants were the challengers, and if anyone defeated a champion, they would take their place as the new champion. After three days of jousting, the champions would determine if Lord Ashford's daughter retained her title or if another would wear it.[1]

The Joust

The jousting area had five lanes situated north-south, so none of the jousters would have the sun in their eyes. The viewing stand was raised on the eastern side of the lists with an orange canopy to shield the lords and ladies from sun and rain.[1]

The original five champions were:

Known Attendees

In addition, a semi-canonical list of attendees can be found in some editions of the graphic novel for The Hedge Knight.

The Trial of Seven

An altercation occurred between Ser Duncan the Tall and Prince Aerion Targaryen when the prince assaulted a girl, Tanselle. This resulted in Duncan striking the prince, claiming that he was only following the knight's vows to defend the weak. Aerion demanded a trial of seven to clear his name. Prince Daeron Targaryen also claimed to have been injured by Duncan, so he made a claim as well. The two sides met on Ashford Meadow.[1]

For the Defendant, Ser Duncan the Tall For the Claimants, Princes Aerion & Daeron Targaryen
House Rhysling.svg Ser Robyn Rhysling Kingsguard.svg Ser Roland Crakehall
House Hardyng.svg Ser Humfrey Hardyng (fatally wounded) House Fossoway of Cider Hall.svg Ser Steffon Fossoway
House Baratheon.svg Ser Lyonel Baratheon Daeron Targaryen.svg Prince Daeron Targaryen (wounded)
Dunk.svg Ser Duncan the Tall (wounded) Aerion Targaryen.svg Prince Aerion Targaryen (yielded)
House Targaryen.svg Prince Baelor Targaryen (fatally wounded) Maekar Targaryen.svg Prince Maekar Targaryen
House Beesbury.svg Ser Humfrey Beesbury (killed) Kingsguard.svg Ser Donnel of Duskendale
House Fossoway of New Barrel.svg Ser Raymun Fossoway Kingsguard.svg Ser Willem Wylde (wounded)

Duncan made Aerion and Daeron withdraw their claims, proving his innocence. However, Humfrey Beesbury was slain by Donnel during the fight, and Willem had to be carried from the field. Baelor died from a blow to his head, likely given by his brother, Maekar. Humfrey Hardyng also died afterwards from wounds received in the skirmish.[1]

Maekar deeply regretted having caused Baelor's death, and each year he observed the anniversary of his brother's passing.[3]

Quotes

He remembered Tanselle's puppet show, and the wooden dragon that had started all the trouble there at Ashford. The memory made Dunk feel guilty, as it always did. Three good men dead, to save a hedge knight's foot. It made no sense, and never had.[4]

—thoughts of Duncan the Tall

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 The Hedge Knight.
  2. ↑ The Sworn Sword.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II.
  4. ↑ The Mystery Knight.
Retrieved from "https://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?title=Tourney_at_Ashford_Meadow&oldid=287295"