Small council

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The small council chamber, by Logan Feliciano © Fantasy Flight Games

The small council is a small group of advisers who aid the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, the monarch on the Iron Throne, on matters of policy and their areas of expertise.

Organization and Duties

King Robert I Baratheon's small council, by Thomas Denmark © Fantasy Flight Games

The small council traditionally consists of seven permanent members:

Councillors can be appointed by the king or a regent.[9] This can be done for a variety of reasons for instance to appease a certain party or region such as the Dornish seat. Regents and Protectors of the Realm can participate in the small council meetings,[10][11] and the council may include additional members as advisors.[12] Some queens consort, such as Alysanne Targaryen, have attended council meetings in the past.[13]

The small council chamber flanked by a pair of Valyrian sphinxes, by Jonny Klein © Fantasy Flight Games

The council is headed by the king, the only one who can make the council's decisions into law. If the monarch has not yet reached the age of majority, the small council can consent if they agree with the king's decisions.[14][15] The Hand can also draft laws for the king.[1] Once he reaches the age of majority, the king can appoint and dismiss councillors as he wills.[16]

The small council can be entrusted with handling the day-to-day governance of the kingdom,[17] especially by monarchs uninterested in minutiae.[18] Councillors may be called "lords" even if they are not members of the nobility.[5] Although their allegiance should be to the monarch, councillors' loyalty may be divided by faction or region of origin.[19][20]

The small council meets privately in their council chambers in the Red Keep.[21] When the king is not in attendance, the Hand may sit in the king's place at the head of the council table.[12] A knight of the Kingsguard stands guard outside the chamber.[7][22] There is also a table for the small council situated at the base of the Iron Throne in the Great Hall of the castle.[23][24][25]

Small council members

Under Aegon I Targaryen

Although the small council became more formal during the reign of his grandson Jaehaerys I,[2] King Aegon I Targaryen established his councillors early on.[26] During his royal progresses, Aegon the Conqueror also traveled with six maesters who educated him on each region's local customs and history.[2] The following men are known to have filled the various offices:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 1–7 AC House Baratheon.svg Lord Orys Baratheon[27][28][29] Orys resigned the office after losing his sword hand to Wyl of Wyl in the First Dornish War.
7–9 AC House Tully.svg Lord Edmyn Tully[30][31] Edmyn resigned the office when his wife died in childbirth, stating his children needed him more than the realm.
9–17 AC House Celtigar 2.svg Lord Alton Celtigar[32] Alton served ably in the office until his death of old age.
17–34 AC House Strong.svg Ser Osmund Strong[26][31][2] Osmund was charged with the overseeing and raising of the walls around King's Landing. Later he led campaigns in the Stepstones to root out Sargoso Saan, a pirate king from Lys.
34–37 AC House Stokeworth.svg Lord Alyn Stokeworth[31] When Aegon ordered the Aegonfort torn down for a stone castle to be built in its place, he assigned the task to Alyn and his sister-wife, Queen Visenya Targaryen.
Grand Maester 5 AC Grand Maester.svg Ollidar[32] The title of Grand Maester was founded in 5 AC. Ollidar held office for less than a year.
5–12 AC Grand Maester.svg Lyonce[32] Lyonce proved more robust than his predecessor, serving the realm ably for seven years until he slipped, breaking his hip and passing away soon after.
12–37 AC Grand Maester.svg Gawen[26]  
Master of coin 1 AC–Unknown House Celtigar 2.svg Lord Crispian Celtigar[27] Crispian died at the latest in 9 AC.[33]
Unknown–Unknown Unknown Aegon is known to have had at least two different masters of coin.[32]
Master of laws 1 AC–Unknown House Massey.svg Lord Triston Massey[27]  
Master of ships and Lord admiral Aegon's Conquest House Velaryon.svg Lord Daemon Velaryon[27]  
Unknown–Unknown House Velaryon.svg Lord Aethan Velaryon[31] Although it is unknown when exactly Lord Aethan served in the office, he is known to have been Aegon's master of ship in 22 AC[34], 29 AC[31] and 30 AC.[31] It is also known that up until Lord Manfryd Redwyne became master of ships for King Jaehaerys I Targaryen in 50 AC, the office was held hereditary by the heads of House Velaryon.[13] Therefore it is likely Aethan served as master of ships during Aegon's entire reign.
Master of whisperers      
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard 10 AC–Unknown House Velaryon.svg Ser Corlys Velaryon[26] Two of Aegon's Kingsguard died protecting him,[2] and it is unknown if Corlys was one of them. If so, he was likely succeeded by Ser Addison Hill, who eventually rose to become Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.[35]

Under Aenys I Targaryen

The small council of King Aenys I Targaryen had the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 37–37 AC House Stokeworth.svg Lord Alyn Stokeworth[34][31]  
37–39 AC House Targaryen.svg Prince Maegor Targaryen[34][31]  
39–41 AC Star of the Faith.svg Septon Murmison[31][34]  
Grand Maester 37–42 AC Grand Maester.svg Gawen[34]  
Master of coin      
Master of laws      
Master of ships and Lord admiral Unknown–Unknown House Velaryon.svg Lord Aethan Velaryon Up until Lord Manfryd Redwyne became master of ships for King Jaehaerys I Targaryen in 50 AC, the office was held hereditary by the heads of House Velaryon.[13] Therefore it is likely Aethan served as master of ships during Aenys's entire reign.
Master of whisperers      
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard      

Under Maegor I Targaryen

King Maegor I Targaryen is the first Targaryen monarch to have been known to have a spymistress in his employment.

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 43–44 AC House Harroway.svg Lord Lucas Harroway[31][N 1]  
44–48 AC House Celtigar 2.svg Lord Edwell Celtigar[31] Lord Edwell resigned in 48 AC, shortly before the end of Maegor's reign.
Grand Maester 42–42 AC Grand Maester.svg Gawen[31][36] Personally executed by Maegor.
42–42 AC Grand Maester.svg Myros[31] Personally executed by Maegor.
42–44 AC Grand Maester.svg Desmond[31] Personally executed by Maegor.
44–48 AC Grand Maester.svg Benifer[37]  
Master of coin Unknown–48 AC House Butterwell.svg Lord Alton Butterwell[31] Known to have been in office by 47 AC.
Master of laws      
Master of ships and Lord admiral Unknown-Unknown House Velaryon.svg Lord Aethan Velaryon Up until Lord Manfryd Redwyne became master of ships for King Jaehaerys I Targaryen in 50 AC, the office was held hereditary by the heads of House Velaryon.[13] Therefore it is likely Aethan served as master of ships for Maegor until his own death, which occurred during Maegor's reign.[38]
Unknown–48 AC House Velaryon.svg Lord Daemon Velaryon[36] Known to have been in office by 47 AC.
Mistress of whisperers 42–48 AC Pentos.svg Tyanna of the Tower[31][N 2]  

Under Jaehaerys I Targaryen

In 55 AC, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen started work on a unified code of law for Westeros, later known as the Books of Law, with the help of Septon Barth, Grand Maester Benifer, Lord Albin Massey and Queen Alysanne Targaryen. Jaehaerys dubbed the foursome his "smaller council".[39]

Office Duration Name Notes
Regent 48–50 AC House Velaryon.svg Dowager Queen Alyssa Velaryon[28]  
Hand of the King 48–50 AC House Baratheon.svg Lord Rogar Baratheon[28][40][3]  
50–54 AC House Velaryon.svg Lord Daemon Velaryon[13]  
54–57 AC House Smallwood.svg Lord Myles Smallwood[41][42]  
58–98 AC Star of the Faith.svg Septon Barth[41][39]  
99–100 AC House Redwyne.svg Ser Ryam Redwyne[4] Ryam served as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard at the same time.
100–101 AC House Targaryen.svg Prince Baelon Targaryen[4]  
101–103 AC House Hightower.svg Ser Otto Hightower[43]  
Grand Maester 48–59 AC Grand Maester.svg Benifer[40] Reinstated from exile.
60–97 AC Grand Maester.svg Elysar[37]  
97–101 AC Grand Maester.svg Allar[4]  
101–103 AC Grand Maester.svg Runciter[4]  
Master of coin and Lord treasurer 48–50 AC House Celtigar 2.svg Lord Edwell Celtigar[9][13]  
50–59 AC Pentos.svg Lord Rego Draz[13][37][42]  
59 AC–Unknown House Tyrell.svg Lord Martyn Tyrell[37] In truth the duties were performed by his wife, Lady Florence Fossoway.
Unknown–103 AC House Beesbury.svg Lord Lyman Beesbury[4]  
Master of laws and Lord justiciar 49–50 AC House Tully.svg Lord Prentys Tully[9]  
50–59 AC House Massey.svg Lord Albin Massey[13]  
59–80 AC House Arryn.svg Lord Rodrik Arryn[37]  
80–92 AC House Targaryen.svg Prince Aemon Targaryen[37]  
Master of ships and Lord admiral 48–50 AC House Velaryon.svg Lord Daemon Velaryon[9] Later raised to Hand of the King.
50–89 AC House Redwyne.svg Lord Manfryd Redwyne[13] Manfryd was the first non-Velaryon to hold this office.
89–92 AC House Velaryon.svg Lord Corlys Velaryon[4] Served near the end of King Jaehaerys's reign. Lord Corlys angrily resigned from the office when his wife, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, was passed over as heir to the Iron Throne.[4]
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard 48 AC–Unknown House Morrigen.svg Ser Gyles Morrigen[40] Was known to be still Lord Commander in 84 AC.[39]
Unknown–103 AC House Redwyne.svg Ser Ryam Redwyne[4] Was known to be Lord Commander by 99 AC.[39]
Advisor 48–50 AC Star of the Faith.svg Septon Mattheus[9] Dismissed and replaced by Septon Barth.[13]
50–58 AC Star of the Faith.svg Septon Barth[9] Elevated to the Handship.[39]
48–59 AC House Corbray.svg Lord Qarl Corbray[3][42] While serving as Commander of the City Watch in King's Landing, Qarl also advised first the Queen Regent, Alyssa Velaryon, then King Jaehaerys on the small council.
50–84 AC House Targaryen.svg Queen Alysanne Targaryen[39] After her daughter, Princess Saera Targaryen, fled to Essos in 84 AC, Queen Alysanne withdrew more and more from the governance of the realm, and seldom came to council meetings any longer.[37]

Under Viserys I Targaryen

The small council of King Viserys I Targaryen had the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 103–109 AC House Hightower.svg Ser Otto Hightower[44][4]  
109–120 AC House Strong.svg Lord Lyonel Strong[44]  
120–129 AC House Hightower.svg Ser Otto Hightower[44]  
Grand Maester 103–112 AC Grand Maester.svg Runciter[4]  
112–127 AC Grand Maester.svg Mellos[44]  
127–129 AC Grand Maester.svg Orwyle[44]  
Master of coin 103–104 AC House Targaryen.svg Prince Daemon Targaryen[4] Held the post briefly but quickly grew bored and Lyman was reinstated.
104–129 AC House Beesbury.svg Lord Lyman Beesbury[4] Lyman had served on the small council under King Jaehaerys I Targaryen for an unknown period of time, and close to the entire reign of King Viserys I Targaryen, if not for the short period of time where Prince Daemon Targaryen replaced him.
Master of laws 104–104 AC House Targaryen.svg Prince Daemon Targaryen[4]  
105–109 AC House Strong.svg Lord Lyonel Strong[44]  
Unknown–129 AC House Wylde.svg Lord Jasper Wylde[4] Grand Maester Orwyle is known to have been the last to be named on Viserys I's small council.[4] Since he was appointed in 127 AC,[4] that means that Lord Jasper Wylde, Lord Larys Strong and Ser Tyland Lannister were already on Viserys I's small council by 127 AC.
Master of whisperers and Lord Confessor Unknown–129 AC House Strong.svg Lord Larys Strong[4]
Master of ships Unknown–129 AC House Lannister.svg Ser Tyland Lannister[45]
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard 103–105 AC House Redwyne.svg Ser Ryam Redwyne[46][4]  
105–112 AC House Westerling.svg Ser Harrold Westerling[47]  
112–129 AC House Cole.svg Ser Criston Cole[4]  
Unknown office 111 AC House Targaryen.svg Prince Daemon Targaryen[4] Upon his return to court, Daemon Targaryen was given a seat on his brother's small council. It is unknown which office he held this time around or if he was only named as an advisor without office. Either way six months after, Daemon was banished from court once again and lost his place on the small council.

Under Aegon II Targaryen

During the reign of King Aegon II Targaryen (called the "green council" in opposition to Rhaenyra Targaryen's "black council"), the small council held the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Regent 129–130 AC House Targaryen.svg Prince Aemond Targaryen[48] Aemond was named Regent and held the title of Protector of the Realm while his brother Aegon recovered from injuries sustained in the battle at Rook's Rest.
Hand of the King 129–129 AC House Hightower.svg Ser Otto Hightower[49]  
129–130 AC House Cole.svg Ser Criston Cole[48] Criston served as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard at the same time.
Grand Maester 129–131 AC Grand Maester.svg Orwyle[48] Orwyle was arrested by Rhaenyra Targaryen's forces when she took King's Landing in 130 AC and placed in the black cells. He was later freed when Rhaenyra fled the capital.
Master of coin 129–131 AC House Lannister.svg Ser Tyland Lannister[49]  
Master of laws 129–130 AC House Wylde.svg Lord Jasper Wylde[49]  
Master of ships     At the start of Aegon's reign, the newly vacant position was offered to Lord Dalton Greyjoy in the hopes of winning the Iron Islands as allies. Dalton never accepted the position and instead later attacked the westerlands. The position remained vacant for much of the war.[50]
131–131 AC House Velaryon.svg Lord Corlys Velaryon[50] After the death of Rhaenyra Targaryen, Lord Corlys was released and pardoned and appointed to the small council.[50]
Master of whisperers 129–131 AC House Strong.svg Lord Larys Strong[48] He served as Lord Confessor at the same time.
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard 129–130 AC House Cole.svg Ser Criston Cole[48]  
Advisor 129–131 AC House Hightower.svg Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower[49]  

Rhaenyra Targaryen's black council

During the Dance of the Dragons, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen held King's Landing and sat on the Iron Throne for half of the year 130 AC.[51] During this period, Rhaenyra named members of her black council to the small council. As Rhaenyra's reign is not recognized as legitimate, her appointments are not either.

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the Queen 130 AC House Velaryon.svg Lord Corlys Velaryon[48]  
Grand Maester 130 AC Grand Maester.svg Gerardys[52]  
Master of coin 130 AC House Celtigar 2.svg Lord Bartimos Celtigar[52]  
Master of laws      
Master of ships 130 AC   House Velaryon.svg Lord Corlys Velaryon commanded the Velaryon fleet which made up the bulk of Rhaenyra's navy, although he is not specifically mentioned as having been named her master of ships.
Master of whisperers 130 AC   Mysaria was unofficially the mistress of whisperers for Rhaenyra.[52]
Lord Commander of the Queensguard 129 AC House Darklyn.svg Ser Steffon Darklyn[48]  
130 AC House Marbrand.svg Ser Lorent Marbrand[52]  
130 AC None.svg Ser Glendon Goode[51]  
Advisors 130 AC House Manderly.svg Ser Medrick Manderly[53] For their support and the men they brought to Rhaenyra, the Manderly brothers were granted a seat on the black council as advisors.
130 AC House Manderly.svg Ser Torrhen Manderly[53]
130 AC City Watch of King's Landing.svg Ser Luthor Largent[53] For his support during the fall of King's Landing to the blacks, Ser Luthor was granted a seat on the black council as an advisor.

Under Aegon III Targaryen

During the reign of King Aegon III Targaryen the small council held the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 131–131 AC House Stark.svg Lord Cregan Stark[16][54] Lord Cregan held office for a day during a time known as the Hour of the Wolf. He presided over the trials and executions of those accused of poisoning King Aegon II Targaryen, before returning to the North.
131–133 AC House Lannister.svg Ser Tyland Lannister[16][55] Ser Tyland was expected to be a weak Hand, but he defied expectations and held the office capably. He died in office of Winter Fever.
133–134 AC House Peake.svg Lord Unwin Peake[16][56] Lord Unwin resigned the office after the king turned down a marriage proposal with his daughter.
134–135 AC House Rowan.svg Lord Thaddeus Rowan[16][56] Lord Thaddeus was imprisoned and tortured by plotters seeking to undermine the Rogare family's influence over the court.
135–135 AC Kingsguard.svg Ser Marston Waters[16][56] Ser Marston concurrently served as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Participated in a plot to imprison Lord Thaddeus Rowan and members of the Rogare family present at court. He was then named Hand, however, he died trying to arrest his sworn brother, Ser Mervyn Flowers, a fortnight later.
135–135 AC House Rowan.svg Lord Thaddeus Rowan[56] Lord Thaddeus was reinstalled to the office after the imprisonment of plotters and death of Ser Marston Waters. However, after a moon's turn, he was dismissed once again due to having a poor mental condition.
135–136 AC Grand Maester.svg Grand Maester Munkun[16][56] Munkun served as the King's Hand until the election of a new Hand in the Council of 136 AC.
136–136 AC House Manderly.svg Lord Torrhen Manderly[16][56] Lord Torrhen was elected as the new Hand during the Council of 136 AC. Dismissed from office by the king when he came of age.
Unknown–157 AC House Targaryen.svg Prince Viserys Targaryen[16][24]  
Grand Maester 131 AC–Unknown Grand Maester.svg Munkun[16] Munkun served Aegon III both as Grand Maester and regent until 136 AC. Although Munkun is known to have served Aegon's son King Baelor I Targaryen as Grand Maester as well,[57] and only the Citadel can name a Grand Maester, in 153 AC Grand Maester Alford held the office,[58] suggesting Munkun was removed from his office at some point or had died.
Unknown–Unknown Grand Maester.svg Alford[58] In 153 AC, Alford held the office of Grand Maester.
Master of coin 136 AC–Unknown House Arryn.svg Isembard Arryn[16][56]  
Master of laws and Lord justiciar 133–134 AC House Rowan.svg Lord Thaddeus Rowan[59] Served as master of laws and lord justiciar, until he was later named as Hand.
Master of ships and Lord admiral     It is unknown who held the office of master of ships at the start of Aegon's reign. It is possible the master of ships at the time of Aegon II Targaryen's death, Lord Corlys Velaryon,[50] stayed at that position until his own death in 132 AC.[55]
133–133 AC House Peake.svg Ser Gedmund Peake[59] When Lord Unwin Peake became the Hand of the King, he appointed his uncle as the new master of ships despite Aegon III's wish to appoint Lord Alyn Velaryon to that position.
133–135 AC House Velaryon.svg Lord Alyn Velaryon[59] Alyn's victory against a Braavosi fleet in the Stepstones, earned Alyn great fame and reputation, knighthood and a place on the small council as the new master of ships. Lord Unwin Peake sent Alyn on a perilous voyage to the Iron Islands to defeat Lord Dalton Greyjoy's ironborn, hoping the ironborn would get rid of Alyn for him.[59]
135 AC–Unknown House Peake.svg Ser Gedmund Peake[60] After the attempted coup during the regency of Aegon III against the Rogare family and the King's Hand, Lord Thaddeus Rowan, Gedmund was named lord admiral and master of ships to appease the supporters of Lord Unwin Peake. When Lord Alyn Velaryon came back from the Vale to the capital in 136 AC, he did not mind losing his position in favor of Gedmund.
Master of whisperers      
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard 131–133 AC House Fell.svg Ser Willis Fell[55] Willis died of Winter Fever.
133–133 AC House Massey.svg Ser Robin Massey[59] Robin was chosen by Aegon III to be Ser Willis Fell's successor. He held the position briefly before being replaced by Ser Marston Waters, on order of the King's Hand and regent, Lord Unwin Peake.
133–135 AC Kingsguard.svg Ser Marston Waters[61][59][60] Marston was named Lord Commander by the King's Hand and regent, Lord Unwin Peake, after the king's appointment of Ser Robin Massey in the position was dismissed on the grounds that the king was too young and hadn't consulted his regents.
135 AC–Unknown None.svg Ser Raynard Ruskyn[60]  
Advisor 131–133 AC House Corbray.svg Lord Leowyn Corbray[55] During Aegon III's regency, Leowyn held the title of Protector of the Realm.

In addition to his small council, King Aegon III had a council of regents during his minority, who ruled the Seven Kingdoms in his stead:

The Regents of Aegon III
Name Duration Notes
House Arryn.svg Lady Jeyne Arryn[16] 131–134 AC Died of illness at Gulltown in 134 AC.
House Velaryon.svg Lord Corlys Velaryon[16] 131–132 AC Died of old age in 132 AC, replaced by Lord Unwin Peake.
House Westerling.svg Lord Roland Westerling[16] 131–133 AC Died of the Winter Fever in 133 AC, replaced by Lord Thaddeus Rowan.
House Caron.svg Lord Royce Caron[16] 131–132 AC Resigned in 132 AC.
House Mooton.svg Lord Manfryd Mooton[16] 131–134 AC Died due to old age and illness in 134 AC, replaced by Ser Corwyn Corbray.
House Manderly.svg Ser Torrhen Manderly[16] 131–132 AC Resigned in 132 AC.
Grand Maester.svg Grand Maester Munkun[16] 131–136 AC  
House Peake.svg Lord Unwin Peake[16] 132–134 AC Resigned in 134 AC.
House Rowan.svg Lord Thaddeus Rowan[16] 133–135 AC  
House Corbray.svg Ser Corwyn Corbray[16] 134–134 AC Killed by a crossbowman at Runestone in 134 AC.
House Stackspear.svg Lord Willam Stackspear[16] 136–136 AC Chosen by lot in the Great Council of 136 AC.
House Merryweather.svg Lord Marq Merryweather[16] 136–136 AC Chosen by lot in the Great Council of 136 AC.
House Grandison.svg Lord Lorent Grandison[16] 136–136 AC Chosen by lot in the Great Council of 136 AC.

Under Daeron I Targaryen

During the reign of King Daeron I Targaryen the small council held the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 157–161 AC House Targaryen.svg Prince Viserys Targaryen[62]  
Grand Maester      
Master of coin      
Master of laws      
Master of ships 157–161 AC House Velaryon.svg Lord Alyn Velaryon[62] Alyn led the royal fleet during the conquest of Dorne.
Master of whisperers      
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard      

Under Baelor I Targaryen

During the reign of King Baelor I Targaryen the small council held the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 161–171 AC House Targaryen.svg Prince Viserys Targaryen[57]  
Grand Maester Unknown - Unknown Grand Maester.svg Munkun[57] Was known to be Grand Maester in 171 AC.[57]
Master of coin      
Master of laws      
Master of ships      
Master of whisperers      
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard      

Under Viserys II Targaryen

During the reign of King Viserys II Targaryen the small council held the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King      
Grand Maester      
Master of coin      
Master of laws      
Master of ships      
Master of whisperers      
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard      

Under Aegon IV Targaryen

During the reign of King Aegon IV Targaryen the small council held the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 172 AC - Unknown House Bracken.svg Lord Bracken[58] Lord Bracken's daughter, Barba Bracken, and her newborn bastard son, Aegor Rivers, were sent away from court in 173 AC after the Brackens pushed Aegon IV to take Barba as his new wife when Queen Naerys Targaryen was lingering near death from a difficult childbirth.[58] It is likely Lord Bracken was sent away as well.
Unknown - Unknown House Butterwell.svg Lord Butterwell[58][63]  
178 AC - 178 AC House Lothston.svg Lord Lucas Lothston[58]  
Unknown - Unknown House Hightower.svg Lord Jon Hightower[58]  
Grand Maester      
Master of coin Unknown - Unknown House Butterwell.svg Lord Ambrose Butterwell[63] He was the grandson of the Lord Butterwell who was Hand of the King for Aegon IV and became Hand of the King himself for Daeron II
Master of laws      
Master of ships      
Master of whisperers      
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Unknown - Unknown House Targaryen.svg Prince Aemon Targaryen[58] Aemon served until his death in or between 178 AC and 183 AC.[64]

Under Daeron II Targaryen

Upon ascending the Iron Throne, Daeron removed all the members of the small council he inherited from his corrupt father and replaced them with more wise and capable men.[65] During the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen the small council held the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King Unknown - 196 AC House Butterwell.svg Lord Ambrose Butterwell[66][67] Removed from the office by King Daeron II for failing to contain the First Blackfyre Rebellion.
196–196 AC House Hayford.svg Lord Hayford[66][67] Died at the Battle of the Redgrass Field.
196–209 AC House Targaryen.svg Prince Baelor Targaryen[68][65] Died after a blow to the head suffered in the trial of seven during the tourney at Ashford Meadow.[68]
209 AC (Possibly) House Targaryen.svg Prince Valarr Targaryen[66] It is currently unknown whether "...sweet Matarys and Valarr, the Hand."[66] indicates that Valarr was the Hand in 209 AC, or that Valarr and an unnamed Hand are separate individuals.
Grand Maester      
Master of coin Unknown - Unknown House Penrose.svg Lord Ronnel Penrose[57] Although Ronnel officially held the office of master of coin, it was widely known that his wife, Princess Elaena Targaryen, the king's cousin, was the one performing the duties of the office.
Master of laws      
Master of ships      
Master of whisperers      
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard      
Advisor Unknown - 209 AC Brynden Rivers.svg Ser Brynden Rivers[69][63] Brynden served as a spymaster and advisor on Daeron II's small council. However, it is unknown if he was officially named master of whisperers or not.

Under Aerys I Targaryen

During the reign of King Aerys I Targaryen the small council held the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 209–221 AC Brynden Rivers.svg Ser Brynden Rivers[66][63][67] He served as master of whisperers at the same time.[67]
Grand Maester ~210 AC - Unknown Grand Maester.svg Unnamed He was a new Grand Maester by 211 AC. His predecessor may have died during the Great Spring Sickness.
Master of coin      
Master of laws      
Master of ships      
Master of whisperers 209–221 AC Brynden Rivers.svg Ser Brynden Rivers[67] He served as Hand of the King at the same time.[67]
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard      

Under Maekar I Targaryen

During the reign of King Maekar I Targaryen the small council held the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 221–233 AC Brynden Rivers.svg Ser Brynden Rivers[70]  
Grand Maester      
Master of coin      
Master of laws      
Master of ships      
Master of whisperers      
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard      

Under Aegon V Targaryen

During the reign of King Aegon V Targaryen the small council held the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King      
Grand Maester 257–258 AC Grand Maester.svg Kaeth[71] Named Grand Maester at the age of eighty, Kaeth died within a year of taking the office.
258–259 AC Grand Maester.svg Ellendor[71] Nigh on ninety when he was elected, he died within a year of taking office.
259–259 AC Grand Maester.svg Merion[71] Elected at the age of sixty-six, Merion died on the road to King's Landing.
259 AC Grand Maester.svg Pycelle[72] Served King Aegon V Targaryen for a few short months, until the king died.
Master of coin      
Master of laws      
Master of ships      
Master of whisperers      
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Unknown - 259 AC Dunk.svg Ser Duncan the Tall Duncan is known to have been the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard when he participated in a winter tourney at King's Landing in 253 AC.[46]

Under Jaehaerys II Targaryen

During the reign of King Jaehaerys II Targaryen the small council held the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 259–260 AC House Baratheon.svg Lord Ormund Baratheon[73]  
Unknown - 262 AC House Sloane.svg Edgar Sloane[74]  
Grand Maester 259–262 AC Grand Maester.svg Pycelle[74]  
Master of coin      
Master of laws      
Master of ships      
Master of whisperers      
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard 259–262 AC House Hightower.svg Ser Gerold Hightower[73]  

Under Aerys II Targaryen

During the reign of King Aerys II Targaryen the small council held the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 262–281 AC House Lannister.svg Ser/Lord Tywin Lannister[74] Resigned his post for Aerys's slights against him.
281–282 AC House Merryweather.svg Lord Owen Merryweather[74][75] Removed from office and exiled for failing to contain Robert's Rebellion.
282–283 AC House Connington.svg Lord Jon Connington[76][75] Removed from his office and exiled after losing the Battle of the Bells.
283–283 AC House Chelsted.svg Lord Qarlton Chelsted[77][75] He bravely resigned his position over Aerys's plan to burn King's Landing and was subsequently burned alive for it.[75]
283–283 AC RossartSigil.png Wisdom Rossart[77][75] Was Hand for only a fortnight.[75] Named to the office after the Battle of the Trident.[77]
Grand Maester 262–283 AC Grand Maester.svg Pycelle[74]  
Master of coin Unknown House Chelsted.svg Lord Qarlton Chelsted[78] Known to have been in the office during the false spring in 281 AC.
Master of laws Unknown House Staunton.svg Lord Symond Staunton[78] Known to have been in the office during the false spring in 281 AC.
Master of ships Unknown House Velaryon.svg Lord Lucerys Velaryon[78] Known to have been in the office during the false spring in 281 AC.
Master of whisperers ~278–283 AC Lys.svg Varys[74]
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard 262–283 AC House Hightower.svg Ser Gerold Hightower[78]  
Advisor Unknown - 283 AC RossartSigil.png Wisdom Rossart[74] Later promoted to the Handship.
Unknown office 277–278 AC House Baratheon.svg Lord Steffon Baratheon[74] Steffon was summoned to court by King Aerys II and named in the small council in the wake of the Defiance of Duskendale.

Under Robert I Baratheon

During the reign of King Robert I Baratheon the small council held the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 283–298 AC House Arryn.svg Lord Jon Arryn  
298–298 AC House Stark.svg Lord Eddard Stark  
Grand Maester 283–298 AC Grand Maester.svg Pycelle  
Master of coin 289–298 AC House Baelish of Harrenhal.svg Lord Petyr Baelish  
Master of laws Unknown - 298 AC House Baratheon.svg Lord Renly Baratheon  
Master of ships Unknown - 298 AC House Baratheon.svg Lord Stannis Baratheon  
Master of whisperers 283–298 AC Lys.svg Varys  
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard 283–298 AC House Selmy.svg Ser Barristan Selmy  

Under Joffrey I Baratheon

During the reign of King Joffrey I Baratheon the small council holds the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Queen Regent 298–300 AC House Lannister.svg Cersei Lannister  
Hand of the King 298–300 AC House Lannister.svg Lord Tywin Lannister During the first year of him holding the office, Tywin's younger son Tyrion Lannister served on the council as acting Hand of the King.
Grand Maester 298–300 AC Grand Maester.svg Pycelle Temporarily removed from his office in 299 AC by the acting Hand, Tyrion Lannister, and re-instated by Tywin Lannister.
Master of coin 298–299 AC House Baelish of Harrenhal.svg Lord Petyr Baelish  
299–300 AC House Lannister.svg Tyrion Lannister Named master of coin after being relieved from his duties as acting Hand.
Master of laws 299–300 AC House Lannister.svg Ser Kevan Lannister  
Master of ships 299–300 AC House Tyrell.svg Lord Mace Tyrell  
Master of whisperers 298–300 AC Lys.svg Varys  
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard 298 AC House Selmy.svg Ser Barristan Selmy  
298–300 AC House Lannister.svg Ser Jaime Lannister Due to his imprisonment during the War of the Five Kings, Jaime is absent from King's Landing during the entire reign of King Joffrey I, and thus does not fulfill his role on the small council.
Advisor 299 AC House Slynt.svg Lord Janos Slynt Within a few short months removed from the office and sent to the Wall.
299–300 AC House Rowan.svg Lord Mathis Rowan  
House Redwyne.svg Lord Paxter Redwyne  
House Martell.svg Prince Doran Martell Not wanting to travel to King's Landing due to his health, Doran sends his younger brother, Prince Oberyn Martell, to sit on the council in his place.
Star of the Faith.svg High Septon[12]  

Under Tommen I Baratheon

During the reign of King Tommen I Baratheon the small council holds the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Regent 300 AC House Lannister.svg Queen Cersei Lannister  
300 AC House Lannister.svg Ser Kevan Lannister  
Hand of the King 300 AC House Lannister.svg Lord Tywin Lannister  
300 AC House Swyft.svg Ser Harys Swyft  
300 AC House Merryweather.svg Lord Orton Merryweather  
300 AC - Present House Tyrell.svg Lord Mace Tyrell  
Grand Maester 300 AC Grand Maester.svg Pycelle  
Master of laws and justiciar 300 AC House Merryweather.svg Lord Orton Merryweather  
300 AC - Present House Tarly.svg Lord Randyll Tarly  
Master of coin and lord treasurer 300 AC House Rosby.svg Lord Gyles Rosby  
300 AC - Present House Swyft.svg Ser Harys Swyft  
Master of ships and grand admiral 300 AC Aurane Waters  
300 AC - Present House Redwyne.svg Lord Paxter Redwyne  
Master of whisperers 300 AC Lys.svg Varys  
300 AC Qyburn  
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard 300 AC - Present House Lannister.svg Ser Jaime Lannister  
Advisor 300 AC - Present House Martell.svg Prince Doran Martell Doran sends his niece, Nymeria Sand, to sit on the council in his place. Still on her way to King's Landing.[19]

Quotes

Jaime watched from the foot of the table, thinking of all those lords who aspired to a seat on the king's small council. They can bloody well have mine. If this was power, why did it taste like tedium?[79]

—thoughts of Jaime Lannister

What was her council doing? Cravens and traitors. When I get out of here I will have the lot of them beheaded and find better men to take their place.[24]

—thoughts of Cersei Lannister

The last thing I need is another Tyrell on the small council.[25]

—thoughts of Kevan Lannister

Notes

  1. ↑ Earlier prints of The World of Ice & Fire erroneously state that Lucas died in 48 AC, which has been corrected in later prints to 44 AC.
  2. ↑ Tyanna was executed after the death of Jeyne Westerling in childbirth. Jeyne was married to Maegor in 47 AC; Her pregnancy was announced six months after the wedding, very early on in the pregnancy itself (her belly had not yet begun to swell). She went into labor after six months of pregnancy, placing about a year between Tyanna's death and the wedding.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 4, Eddard I.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Fire & Blood, Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Fire & Blood, A Surfeit of Rulers.
  4. ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 4.21 Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 18, Catelyn IV.
  6. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 58, Eddard XV.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 3, Tyrion I.
  8. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 8, Daenerys I.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Fire & Blood, The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC.
  10. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 57, Daenerys V.
  11. ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Appendix.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 19, Tyrion III.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.7 13.8 13.9 Fire & Blood, A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade.
  14. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 57, Sansa V.
  15. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 65, Sansa VIII.
  16. ↑ 16.00 16.01 16.02 16.03 16.04 16.05 16.06 16.07 16.08 16.09 16.10 16.11 16.12 16.13 16.14 16.15 16.16 16.17 16.18 16.19 16.20 16.21 16.22 16.23 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III.
  17. ↑ Fire & Blood, Aegon's Conquest.
  18. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 27, Eddard VI.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 38, The Watcher.
  20. ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Epilogue.
  21. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 20, Eddard IV.
  22. ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 17, Cersei IV.
  23. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 43, Eddard XI.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 43, Cersei X.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 A Dance with Dragons, Epilogue.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Stormlands: House Baratheon.
  29. ↑ Fire & Blood, Reign of the Dragon - The Wars of King Aegon I.
  30. ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Riverlands: House Tully.
  31. ↑ 31.00 31.01 31.02 31.03 31.04 31.05 31.06 31.07 31.08 31.09 31.10 31.11 31.12 31.13 31.14 31.15 Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 Fire & Blood, Three Heads had the Dragon - Governance under Aegon I.
  33. ↑ See the Crispian Celtigar calculation.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 34.4 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I.
  35. ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 16, Jaime II.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 37.3 37.4 37.5 37.6 Fire & Blood, The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain.
  38. ↑ See the Aethan Velaryon calculation.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 39.3 39.4 39.5 Fire & Blood, Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 Fire & Blood, Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 54, Davos V.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I.
  43. ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 44.3 44.4 44.5 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I.
  45. ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Westerlands: House Lannister Under the Dragons.
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 67, Jaime VIII.
  47. ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen King: Viserys I.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 48.3 48.4 48.5 48.6 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold.
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 49.2 49.3 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens.
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 50.2 50.3 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II.
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown.
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 52.2 52.3 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant.
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 The Rise of the Dragon, The Reign of Aegon II: The Dance of the Dragons.
  54. ↑ Fire & Blood, Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf.
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 55.2 55.3 Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand.
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 56.2 56.3 56.4 56.5 56.6 Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - Lysene Spring and the End of Regency.
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 57.2 57.3 57.4 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I.
  58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 58.2 58.3 58.4 58.5 58.6 58.7 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV.
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 59.2 59.3 59.4 59.5 Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows.
  60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 60.2 Fire & Blood, The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency.
  61. ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III.
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Daeron I.
  63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 63.2 63.3 The Mystery Knight.
  64. ↑ See the Aemon Targaryen (son of Viserys II) calculation.
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II.
  66. ↑ 66.0 66.1 66.2 66.3 66.4 The Sworn Sword.
  67. ↑ 67.0 67.1 67.2 67.3 67.4 67.5 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I.
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 The Hedge Knight.
  69. ↑ World of Ice and Fire Update - Spymaster
  70. ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Maekar I.
  71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 71.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 36, Cersei VIII.
  72. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 25, Eddard V.
  73. ↑ 73.0 73.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys II.
  74. ↑ 74.0 74.1 74.2 74.3 74.4 74.5 74.6 74.7 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II.
  75. ↑ 75.0 75.1 75.2 75.3 75.4 75.5 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 11, Jaime II.
  76. ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Fall of the Dragons: Robert's Rebellion.
  77. ↑ 77.0 77.1 77.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Fall of the Dragons: The End.
  78. ↑ 78.0 78.1 78.2 78.3 The World of Ice & Fire, The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring.
  79. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 72, Jaime IX.
Known members of the small council
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1It is unknown whether "...sweet Matarys and Valarr, the Hand." indicates that Valarr was Hand, or that Matarys, Valarr, and an unnamed Hand of the King died during the Spring Sickness.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Under an unknown Targaryen reign
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