Benjen Stark
Benjen Stark | |
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Benjen Stark by Amok © | |
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Alias | The Wolf Pup |
Title | First Ranger |
Allegiance | Night's Watch |
Culture | Northmen |
Books |
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Played by | Joseph Mawle |
TV series | Season 1 |
Benjen Stark is the younger brother of Lord Eddard Stark and a sworn brother of the Night's Watch. He is the First Ranger, or leader of the rangers, of the Night's Watch.
Contents
Appearance
He has sharp features and blue eyes. He is very thin.[1]
History
Benjen attended, with his siblings, the Tourney at Harrenhal. At the tournament his sister rescued their vassal, Howland Reed, from an attack by some squires. Benjen offered Reed a horse and some armor so he could challenge his attackers. During the feast he teased Lyanna when she cried for the song of the dragon prince.[2] He also listened to a black brother, who at the feast tried to convince the gathered people to join the Night's Watch, a plea that Benjen took to heart.[3] During Robert's Rebellion, Benjen was the Stark in Winterfell, but once his brother Eddard returned to Winterfell shortly after the end of the Rebellion, with an heir of his own, Benjen joins the Night's Watch, for reasons unknown.
Recent Events
A Game of Thrones
Benjen wrote a letter to Eddard at Winterfell updating his brother on the strength of the Night's Watch and the threat of Mance Rayder.[4] When King Robert visits Winterfell the Starks give a feast in his honour. Benjen is present as well. He talks with Jon and the boy asks to be allowed to join the Night's Watch. Benjen tells Jon to wait a few years until he is certain but Jon insists.[5] When back at the Wall Benjen is busy with his duties as First Ranger and does not have much time for Jon. He reminds Jon that the men of the Night's Watch leave their families and loyalties behind when they join the brotherhood.[6]
Later, Lord Commander Jeor Mormont sends Benjen with a force of rangers to find Ser Waymar Royce, who has not returned after a ranging.[7] Benjen does not return either. The first reference of his disappearance and speculation of his fate occurs in the 19th chapter of A Game of Thrones, the third Jon chapter.[8] The men of the Watch speculate about his fate; that is one of the motivations for the Great Ranging of Jeor Mormont.
Quotes
“The children will help him, the children of the forest!” [9]
- Bran Stark, on Benjen Stark who is missing beyond the wall
Family
References and Notes
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 5, Jon
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 24, Bran II.
- ↑ Benjen Stark entry in A World of Ice and Fire
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 2, Catelyn
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 5, Jon
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 19, Jon
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Prologue.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 19, Jon III.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 24, Bran IV.