Difference between revisions of "Doran Martell"

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{{Character  
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{{Character
| Character_name = [[File:House Martell.svg|50px|left]] Doran Martell [[File:House Martell.svg|50px|right]]
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| Character_name = [[File:House Martell.svg|50px|left]] Doran Martell [[File:House Martell.svg|50px|right]]
| image = [[File:Mathia Arkoniel DoranM.jpg|300px]]
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| image = [[File:Doran martell by bellabergolts.jpg|350px]]
| image_caption = by Mathia Arkoniel ©
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| image_caption = Doran Martell, art by Bella Bergolts ©
| Alias =  
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| Alias =
| Title = [[Prince of Dorne]]<br>Lord of Sunspear
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| Title = [[Prince of Dorne]]<br>[[Lord of Sunspear]]<br>[[Castellan]] of [[Sunspear]] <small>(formerly)</small>
| Allegiance = [[House Martell|House Nymeros Martell]]
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| Predecessor = Princess [[Princess of Dorne (unnamed)|Martell]]
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| Allegiance = [[House Martell]]
 
| Race =
 
| Race =
| Culture = [[Dornish]]
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| Culture = [[Dornishmen]]
| Spouse = Lady [[Mellario]]
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| Spouse = Lady [[Mellario]] of [[Norvos]]
| Place_of_Birth = [[Sunspear]]{{Ref|awoiaf| Doran Martell}}
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| Issue = [[Arianne Martell]]<br>[[Quentyn Martell]]<br>[[Trystane Martell]]
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| Father =
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| Mother = Princess [[Princess of Dorne (unnamed)|Martell]]
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| Place_of_Birth = [[Sunspear]]{{Ref|AWOIAF| Doran Martell}}
 
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|247}} or {{Date|248}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Doran Martell|Doran Martell]] calculation.''</ref>
 
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|247}} or {{Date|248}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Doran Martell|Doran Martell]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =  
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| Place_of_Death =
 
| Date_of_Death =
 
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice and Fire]] '' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appears)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (appears)<br>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (appears)
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| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appears)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (appears)<br>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
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| Coat-of-arms =
 
| Played_by = [[w:Alexander Siddig|Alexander Siddig]]
 
| Played_by = [[w:Alexander Siddig|Alexander Siddig]]
 
| TV_series = [[Game of Thrones - Season 5|Season 5]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 6|Season 6]]
 
| TV_series = [[Game of Thrones - Season 5|Season 5]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 6|Season 6]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
Prince '''Doran Nymeros Martell''', also known simply as '''Doran Martell''', is the head of [[House Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], and the Lord of [[Sunspear]]. Married to Lady [[Mellario]], of the Free City of [[Norvos]], he has three children: [[Arianne Martell|Arianne]], [[Quentyn Martell|Quentyn]], and [[Trystane Martell|Trystane]]. In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', he is played by [[w:Alexander Siddig|Alexander Siddig]].
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Prince '''Doran Nymeros Martell''', also known simply as '''Doran Martell''', is the head of [[House Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]], and the Lord of [[Sunspear]]. Married to Lady [[Mellario]], of the [[Free City]] of [[Norvos]], he has three children: [[Arianne Martell|Arianne]], [[Quentyn Martell|Quentyn]], and [[Trystane Martell|Trystane]]. He's also the elder brother of [[Elia Martell|Elia]] and [[Oberyn Martell]]. In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', he is played by [[w:Alexander Siddig|Alexander Siddig]].
  
==Character and Appearance==
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==Appearance and Character==
 
{{See also|:Category:Images of Doran Martell|l1=Images of Doran Martell}}
 
{{See also|:Category:Images of Doran Martell|l1=Images of Doran Martell}}
  
In his early fifties, Doran is a cautious, pensive, and subtle man.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ASOS|53}} He is prone to think long on the matters before him, weighing every word and every action.{{Ref|ASOS|53}}{{Ref|AFFC|13}} He has a bad case of [[w:gout|gout]] which has recently left him unable to walk, instead having to rely on his wheeled chair, or a palanquin, to move around. He appears to be much older than he is in truth. His body is soft and shapeless, and the gout has swollen and reddened the joints of his knees, toes and hands. He covers his legs and feet with a blanket, blocking the sight of his gout.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}} Due to his gout, he only travels in a palanquin,{{Ref|AFFC|2}}{{Ref|ASOS|38}} and is rarely seen in public, as he does not want to appear weak in the eyes of his enemies.{{ref|AFFC|2}}
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In his early fifties, Doran is a cautious, pensive, and subtle man.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ASOS|53}} He is prone to think long on the matters before him, weighing every word and every action.{{Ref|ASOS|53}}{{Ref|AFFC|13}} He has a bad case of [[w:Gout|gout]] which has recently left him unable to walk, instead having to rely on his wheeled chair, or a palanquin, to move around. He appears to be much older than he is in truth. His body is soft and shapeless, and the gout has swollen and reddened the joints of his knees, toes, and hands. He covers his legs and feet with a blanket, blocking the sight of his gout.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}} Due to his gout, he only travels in a palanquin,{{Ref|AFFC|2}}{{Ref|ASOS|38}} and is rarely seen in public, as he does not want to appear weak in the eyes of his enemies.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}
  
While his bannermen might consider him to weak,{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|AFFC|2}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}} Doran has been focused for years on getting revenge for the murder of his sister, [[Elia Martell|Elia]], and her two young children during the [[Sack of King's Landing]] in {{Date|283}}.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}}
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While his bannermen might consider him weak,{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|AFFC|2}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}} Doran has been focused for years on getting revenge for the murder of his sister, [[Elia Martell|Elia]], and her two young children during the [[Sack of King's Landing]] during [[Robert's Rebellion]] in {{Date|283}}.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}}
  
Because of the early deaths of his siblings [[Olyvar Martell|Olyvar]] and [[Mors Martell (brother of Doran)|Mors]], the multiple miscarriages his mother suffered, and the difference in age with his surviving siblings, [[Elia Martell|Elia]] and [[Oberyn Martell|Oberyn]], Doran was raised alone.{{ref|AWOIAF| Doran Martell}}{{Ref|AFFC|2}} He still has a deep affection for his sister, and had a good relationship with his younger brother as well.
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Because of the early deaths of his siblings [[Olyvar Martell|Olyvar]] and [[Mors Martell (brother of Doran)|Mors]], the multiple miscarriages his mother suffered, and the difference in age with his surviving siblings, Elia and [[Oberyn Martell|Oberyn]], Doran was raised alone.{{Ref|AWOIAF| Doran Martell}}{{Ref|AFFC|2}} He still has a deep affection for his sister, and had a good relationship with his younger brother as well.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===Early life===
 
===Early life===
Doran was the first born child of his parents, and thus heir to his mother, the [[Princess of Dorne]]. For years, he was an only child, as his mother had several miscarriages.{{ref|AWOIAF| Doran Martell}} While he would have four siblings, [[Mors Martell (brother of Doran)|Mors]] and [[Olyvar Martell|Olyvar]], both died in the cradle. Doran spent several years of his childhood at the [[Water Gardens]], and by the age of nine, he was a squire to Lord [[House Gargalen|Gargalen]] at [[Salt Shore]]. While there, his mother gave birth to his sister, [[Elia Martell|Elia]]. As Elia had been born one month premature, Doran was convinced that his sister too would die, as their brothers had done before, but she survived. A year later, Doran's brother [[Oberyn Martell|Oberyn]] was born.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}
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Doran was the first born child of his parents, and thus heir to [[Princess of Dorne (unnamed)|his mother]], the [[Princess of Dorne]]. For years, he was an only child, as his mother had several miscarriages.{{Ref|AWOIAF| Doran Martell}} While he would have four siblings, [[Mors Martell (brother of Doran)|Mors]] and [[Olyvar Martell|Olyvar]], both died in the cradle. Doran spent several years of his childhood at the [[Water Gardens]], and by the age of nine, he was a squire to Lord [[House Gargalen|Gargalen]] at [[Salt Shore]]. While there, his mother gave birth to his sister, [[Elia Martell|Elia]]. As Elia had been born one month premature, Doran was convinced that his sister too would die, as their brothers had done before, but she survived. A year later, Doran's brother [[Oberyn Martell|Oberyn]] was born.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}
  
As a young man, Doran took a tour through the [[Free Cities]]. He visited [[Volantis]], and next went to [[Norvos]], where he met his future wife, Lady [[Mellario]].{{Ref|AFFC|40}} They fell in love and Mellario returned to Dorne with Doran, where they were betrothed. In {{Date|273}}, when his mother, her consort, and Doran's two younger siblings traveled through the south of [[Seven Kingdoms]] on a quest to find suitable matches for Elia and Oberyn, Doran stayed behind as castellan of [[Sunspear]], with Mellario.{{Ref|aSoS|70}} Although Mellario was high born enough to become his wife, most marriages between nobles in Westeros are political; A love match is very uncommon.<ref name=Mellario>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Asshai.com_Interview_in_Barcelona Asshai.com Interview in Barcelona (July 28, 2012)]</ref> In {{Date|276}}, Doran and Mellario's first child, [[Arianne Martell|Arianne]], was born.<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Arianne Martell|Arianne Martell]] calculation''</ref> Around {{Date|279}}, Doran inherited the rule of [[Dorne]].<ref>''See the calculation on [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Events#Dorne|the timing of Doran Martell's inheritance of Dorne]]''</ref>
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As a young man, Doran took a tour through the [[Free Cities]]. He visited [[Volantis]] and next went to [[Norvos]], where he met his future wife, Lady [[Mellario]].{{Ref|AFFC|40}} They fell in love and Mellario returned to Dorne with Doran, where they were betrothed and would soon after marry. [[Areo Hotah]] escorted Mellario and entered the service of [[House Martell]].{{Ref|AFFC|2}} In {{Date|273}}, when his mother, her consort, and Doran's two younger siblings traveled through the south of [[Seven Kingdoms]] on a quest to find suitable matches for Elia and Oberyn, Doran stayed behind as castellan of [[Sunspear]], with Mellario.{{Ref|ASOS|70}} Although Mellario was [[highborn]] enough to become his wife, most marriages between nobles in [[Westeros]] are political. A love match is very uncommon.<ref name=Mellario>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Asshai.com_Interview_in_Barcelona Asshai.com Interview in Barcelona (July 28, 2012)]</ref> In {{Date|276}}, Doran and Mellario's first child, [[Arianne Martell|Arianne]], was born.<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Arianne Martell|Arianne Martell]] calculation''</ref> Around {{Date|279}}, Doran inherited the rule of [[Dorne]].<ref>''See the calculation on [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Events#Dorne|the timing of Doran Martell's inheritance of Dorne]]''</ref>
  
An unknown amount of time after his siblings had travelled to find suitable marriage candidates, Doran's brother Oberyn fought in a duel with Lord [[Edgar Yronwood]]. Due to Oberyn's high birth and young age, the two men had agreed to duel until first blood. Both men were injured, but when Oberyn's cuts healed, and Lord Edgar's festered, eventually resulting in his death, it was whispered Oberyn had fought with a poisoned blade.{{Ref|ASOS|38}} Doran acted swiftly, sending Oberyn in temporary exile.<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', Arianne I</ref>
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An unknown amount of time after his siblings had traveled to find suitable marriage candidates, Doran's brother Oberyn fought in a duel with Lord [[Edgar Yronwood]]. Due to Oberyn's high birth and young age, the two men had agreed to duel until first blood. Both men were injured, but when Oberyn's cuts healed, and Edgar's festered, eventually resulting in his death, it was whispered Oberyn had fought with a poisoned blade.{{ref|ASOS|38}} Doran acted swiftly, sending Oberyn into temporary exile.<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', Arianne I</ref>
  
 
===Prince of Dorne===
 
===Prince of Dorne===
Doran's sister [[Elia Martell]] was betrothed to Crown Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] in early {{Date|279}}, and wed him a year later.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}} She had two young children by Rhaegar, [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Rhaegar)|Rhaenys]] and [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon]].{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}} When Rhaegar disappeared with [[Lyanna Stark]] in {{Date|282}}, not long after Aegon's birth, it started a chain of events leading to [[Robert's Rebellion]],{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring}} in which the [[North]], and several houses from the [[stormlands]] and [[Vale]] (later joined by several houses from the [[riverlands]]) fought against the [[Iron Throne]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|agot|2}} Doran was furious about the way Elia had been treated by Rhaegar, and as a consequence was slow to lend any aid to the Targaryens.{{Ref|AWOIAF| Doran Martell}} After Rhaegar returned from the south to [[King's Landing]], Doran agreed to send ten thousand Dornishmen to fight in the loyalist army, under the command of his uncle, Prince [[Lewyn Martell]] of the [[Kingsguard]],{{ref|ASOS|37}} understanding that Elia, as the wife to the crown prince, would one day become Queen, and that her son Aegon would one day be King.{{ref|awoiaf| Doran Martell}}
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Doran's sister [[Elia Martell]] was betrothed to Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]], the heir of King [[Aerys II Targaryen]], in early {{Date|279}}, and wed him a year later.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}} She had two young children by Rhaegar, Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Rhaegar)|Rhaenys]] and Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon]].{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}} When Rhaegar disappeared with [[Lyanna Stark]] in {{Date|282}}, not long after Aegon's birth, it started a chain of events leading to [[Robert's Rebellion]],{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring}} in which the [[north]], and several houses from the [[stormlands]] and the [[Vale of Arryn]] (later joined by several houses from the [[riverlands]]) fought against the [[Iron Throne]] and [[House Targaryen]].{{Ref|AGOT|2}} Doran was furious about the way Elia had been treated by Rhaegar, and as a consequence was slow to lend any aid to the Targaryens.{{Ref|AWOIAF| Doran Martell}} After Rhaegar returned from the south to [[King's Landing]], Doran agreed to send ten thousand [[Dornishmen]] to fight in the loyalist army, under the command of his uncle, Prince [[Lewyn Martell]] of the [[Kingsguard]],{{Ref|ASOS|37}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Fall of the Dragons: Robert's Rebellion}} understanding that Elia, as the wife to the crown prince, would one day become queen, and that her son Aegon would one day be king.{{Ref|awoiaf| Doran Martell}}
  
However, Rhaegar died at the [[Battle of the Trident]],{{ref|AGOT|3}} as did Doran's uncle, Lewyn,{{Ref|AFFC|23}} and King [[Aerys II Targaryen]], believing that Lewyn had betrayed Rhaegar on the Trident, refused to send Elia and her children to [[Dragonstone]] alongside his own wife, Queen [[Rhaella Targaryen]], and their son [[Viserys Targaryen|Viserys]].{{ref|ASOS|37}} Not long after, during the [[Sack of King's Landing]], Elia and her children were brutally killed by [[Gregor Clegane]] and [[Amory Lorch]], men from the [[House Lannister|Lannister host]].{{Ref|AGOT|3}}{{Ref|AGOT|30}} The new King, [[Robert I Baratheon]], was accepting of their deaths.{{ref|ASOS|53}} As a consequence, Doran's brother Oberyn attempted to raise a rebellion for Viserys during the year after the rebellion, but the new [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Jon Arryn]], traveled to [[Sunspear]] to return Prince Lewyn's bones, and spoke with Doran, ending all talks of rebellion.{{Ref|ASOS|53}}
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However, Rhaegar died at the [[Battle of the Trident]],{{Ref|AGOT|3}} as did Doran's uncle, Lewyn,{{Ref|AFFC|23}} and King Aerys, believing that Lewyn had betrayed Rhaegar on the [[Trident]], refused to send Elia and her children to [[Dragonstone]] alongside his own wife, Queen [[Rhaella Targaryen]], and their son [[Viserys Targaryen|Viserys]].{{Ref|ASOS|37}} Not long after, during the [[Sack of King's Landing]], Elia and her children were killed by Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] and Ser [[Amory Lorch]], men from the [[House Lannister|Lannister host]].{{Ref|AGOT|3}}{{Ref|AGOT|30}} The new king, [[Robert I Baratheon]], was accepting of their deaths.{{Ref|ASOS|53}} As a consequence, Doran's brother Oberyn attempted to raise Dorne for the exiled Viserys during the year after the rebellion, but the new [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Jon Arryn]], traveled to [[Sunspear]] to return Prince Lewyn's bones, and spoke with Doran, ending all talks of rebellion.{{Ref|ASOS|53}}
  
[[File:Tommy Arnold DoranMartell.jpg|thumb|300px|Prince Doran Martell holding a half peeled blood orange - by Tommy Arnold]]
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[[File:Tommy Arnold DoranMartell.jpg|thumb|350px|Prince Doran Martell holding a half-peeled blood orange, by Tommy Arnold ©]]
However, Doran desired revenge for the deaths of Elia and her children as well, and for this purpose, worked closely together with his brother [[Oberyn Martell|Oberyn]] for years, planning on destroying all that Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] holds dear, before killing him as well.{{Ref|ADWD|38}} To this end, Oberyn travelled to [[Braavos]], where Ser [[Willem Darry]] had fled to with [[Viserys Targaryen|Viserys]] and [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. A [[Secret marriage pact|secret pact]] was made, with Oberyn signing for Dorne, and with the [[Sealord of Braavos]] as a witness, betrothing Doran's daughter Arianne to the exiled King Viserys.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|43}}
 
  
Doran also sent his son [[Quentyn Martell|Quentyn]], born in {{Date|281}},<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Quentyn Martell|Quentyn Martell]] calculation''</ref> to serve Lord [[Ormond Yronwood]] as a page, and later squire.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Quentyn's fostering was done to make peace with the [[House Yronwood|Yronwoods]], as enmity between the two houses had arisen after the death of Lord [[Edgar Yronwood]].{{Ref|ASOS|38}} However, this caused another strain on Doran's marriage to Mellario. Although they had married out of love, their marriage had not been very happy. Mellario had not been able to get used to the Dornish customs, which were so different from the [[Norvos]]hi customs.<ref name=Mellario />{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Norvos}} As such, Mellario did not approve of Quentyn's fostering, which is not common in Norvoshi culture, believing her son to be much too young at the time.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} When Doran, after sending Quentyn to [[Yronwood]], planned to send Arianne to [[Tyrosh]] to serve as the cupbearer to the [[Archon]] of Tyrosh, which would have enabled her to meet her [[Viserys Targaryen|betrothed]] in secret, Mellario threatened to harm herself, should Doran steal another one of her children. Not wanting to hurt his wife, Doran thus kept Arianne in Dorne.{{Ref|AFFC|40}} Doran and his wife had a third child, [[Trystane Martell|Trystane]], who was born in {{Date|287}}.<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued3)#Trystane Martell|Trystane Martell]]  calculation''</ref> However, Doran and Mellario's marriage continued to detoriate, and she would never forgive Doran for sending Quentyn away. Eventually, she went back to [[Norvos]].{{Ref|AFFC|21}}
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However, Doran desired revenge for the deaths of Elia and her children as well, and for this purpose, worked closely together with his brother [[Oberyn Martell|Oberyn]] for years, planning on destroying all that Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] holds dear, before killing him as well.{{Ref|ADWD|38}} To this end, Oberyn traveled to [[Braavos]], where Ser [[Willem Darry]] had fled to with [[Viserys Targaryen|Viserys]] and [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. A [[Secret marriage pact|secret pact]] was made, with Oberyn signing for Dorne, and with the [[Sealord of Braavos]] as a witness, betrothing Doran's daughter Arianne to the exiled King Viserys.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|43}}
  
While he had planned to tell Arianne about her betrothal to the last Targaryen heir when she was sixteen, he decided to keep the secret from her due to her spirited and willful nature.{{Ref|AFFC|40}} Unbeknownst to Doran, however, Arianne had read a letter Doran had been writing to Quentyn, in which he mentioned that Quentyn would inherit the rule of [[Dorne]] from Doran.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Thus, she had come to believe that Doran's coolness towards her was due to the fact that he wanted to disinherit her, and name Quentyn his heir instead. When Doran suggests numerous aged suitors to her (including Lord [[Walder Frey]], [[Ben Beesbury]], and [[Gyles Rosby]]), whilst declining more age-matched suitors (like [[Edmure Tully]] and [[Willas Tyrell]]), it only strengthened her beliefs.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In truth, Doran had feared that it would be suspicious if he was not seen trying to arrange a betrothal for Arianne, and had only made the suggestions he had because he had known she would reject every single one.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}
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Doran also sent his son [[Quentyn Martell|Quentyn]], born in {{Date|281}},<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Quentyn Martell|Quentyn Martell]] calculation''</ref> to serve Lord [[Ormond Yronwood]] as a page, and later squire.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Quentyn's fostering was done to make peace with the [[House Yronwood|Yronwoods]], as enmity between the two houses had arisen after the death of Lord [[Edgar Yronwood]].{{Ref|ASOS|38}} However, this caused another strain on Doran's marriage to Mellario. Although they had married out of love, their marriage had not been very happy. Mellario had not been able to get used to the Dornish customs, which were so different from the [[Norvos]]hi customs.<ref name=Mellario />{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Norvos}} As such, Mellario did not approve of Quentyn's fostering, which is not common in Norvoshi culture, believing her son to be much too young at the time.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} When Doran, after sending Quentyn to [[Yronwood]], planned to send Arianne to [[Tyrosh]] to serve as the cupbearer to the [[Archon]] of Tyrosh, which would have enabled her to meet her [[Viserys Targaryen|betrothed]] in secret, Mellario threatened to harm herself, should Doran steal another one of her children. Not wanting to hurt his wife, Doran thus kept Arianne in Dorne.{{Ref|AFFC|40}} Doran and his wife had a third child, [[Trystane Martell|Trystane]], who was born in {{Date|287}}.<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued3)#Trystane Martell|Trystane Martell]]  calculation''</ref> However, Doran and Mellario's marriage continued to deteriorate, and she would never forgive Doran for sending Quentyn away. Eventually, she went back to Norvos.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}
  
Doran eventually became afflicted with [[w:gout|gout]]. In {{Date|298}}, when still capable of walking, albeitly with a stick, Doran moved from [[Sunspear]] to the [[Water Gardens]]. Two years later, however, Doran's gout has become far worse, and he is no longer able to walk, but instead is usually confined to a wheelchair. Not wanting his enemies to know how feeble he has grown, he remained at the Water Gardens, where he is far away from curious eyes.{{Ref|AFFC|2}} At the [[Water Gardens]], the summer home of the Martells, he prefers to watch the children at their play, sitting quietly on the terras amongst the orange trees. He only sees his trusted courtiers and advisors,{{Ref|AFFC|2}} summoning his brother Oberyn twice every fortnight, and his daughter Arianne twice a year.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
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While he had planned to tell Arianne about her betrothal to the last Targaryen heir when she was sixteen, he decided to keep the secret from her due to her spirited and willful nature.{{Ref|AFFC|40}} Unbeknownst to Doran, however, Arianne had read a letter Doran had been writing to Quentyn, in which he mentioned that Quentyn would inherit the rule of [[Dorne]] from Doran.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{ref|AFFC|13}} Thus, she had come to believe that Doran's coolness towards her was due to the fact that he wanted to disinherit her, and name Quentyn his heir instead. When Doran suggests numerous aged suitors to her (including Lord [[Walder Frey]], Lord [[Ben Beesbury]], Lord [[Gyles Rosby]], and Lord [[House Estermont|Estermont]]), whilst declining more age-matched suitors (like Ser [[Edmure Tully]] and [[Willas Tyrell]]), it only strengthened her beliefs.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}} In truth, Doran had feared that it would be suspicious if he was not seen trying to arrange a betrothal for Arianne, and had only made the suggestions he had because he had known she would reject every single one.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}
  
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Doran eventually became afflicted with [[w:Gout|gout]]. In {{Date|298}}, when still capable of walking, albeit with a stick, Doran moved from [[Sunspear]] to the [[Water Gardens]]. Two years later, however, Doran's gout has become far worse, and he is no longer able to walk, but instead is usually confined to a wheelchair. Not wanting his enemies to know how feeble he has grown, he remained at the Water Gardens, where he is far away from curious eyes.{{Ref|AFFC|2}} At the Water Gardens, the summer home of the Martells, he prefers to watch the children at their play, sitting quietly on the terras amongst the orange trees. He only sees his trusted courtiers and advisors,{{Ref|AFFC|2}} summoning his brother Oberyn twice every fortnight, and his daughter Arianne twice a year.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
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[[File: Edriss_DoranM.jpg‎|Prince Doran, by Jacqui Davis ©|thumb|350px|right]]
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
[[File: Edriss_DoranM.jpg‎|Prince Doran - by Jacqui Davis ©|thumb|250px|right]]
 
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
After [[Joffrey Baratheon]] has been crowned King, Doran Martell and his sons are summoned to court to swear fealthy to the new king.{{ref|AGOT|57}} [[Varys]] tells [[Eddard Stark]] that the Martells still harbor hate for the Lannisters for what befell Elia and her children.{{Ref|AGOT|58}}
+
After [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] has been crowned king, Doran Martell and his sons are summoned to court at [[King's Landing]] to swear fealty to the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|AGOT|57}} [[Varys]] tells Lord [[Eddard Stark]] that the Martells still harbor hatred for the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] for what befell Princess Elia and her children.{{Ref|AGOT|58}}
  
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[Renly Baratheon]] assumes that [[House Martell]] will support him during the [[War of the Five Kings]],{{Ref|ACOK|22}} but [[Tyrion Lannister]], as acting [[Hand of the King]], offers to betroth [[Myrcella Baratheon]] to Doran’s youngest son, [[Trystane Martell]], as well as offering Doran justice for his murdered sister [[Elia Martell|Elia]] and her children, and giving him a seat on the king's [[small council]], and some castles on the [[Dornish Marches]], in return for his loyalty to the Iron Throne and support of Dorne in the war.{{Ref|aCoK|20}} Doran accepts the terms,{{Ref|ACOK|25}} and by the time Myrcella leaves King's Landing to begin the journey to [[Sunspear]], he has called his banners.{{Ref|ACOK|41}}. Once Myrcella arrives in [[Braavos]], Doran sends his armies to the high passes.{{Ref|ACOK|42}} While Doran will not send out his armies to give battle unless Dorne is at danger, Tyrion Lannister hopes that sending the armies of Dorne to the borders will make the Marcher lords rethink their loyalty, as well as halt [[Stannis Baratheon]] in marching north.{{Ref|aCoK|41}}
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[[Renly Baratheon]] assumes that [[House Martell]] will support him during the [[War of the Five Kings]],{{Ref|ACOK|22}} but [[Tyrion Lannister]], as acting [[Hand of the King]], offers to betroth Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] to Doran’s youngest son, Prince [[Trystane Martell]], as well as offering Doran [[Law and justice|justice]] for his murdered sister [[Elia Martell|Elia]] and her children, and giving him a seat on the king's [[small council]], and some castles on the [[Dornish Marches]], in return for his loyalty to King Joffrey and support of [[Dorne]] in the war.{{Ref|aCoK|20}} Doran accepts the terms,{{Ref|ACOK|25}} and by the time Myrcella leaves King's Landing to begin her journey to [[Sunspear]], he has called his banners.{{Ref|ACOK|41}} Once Myrcella arrives in [[Braavos]], Doran sends his armies to the high passes.{{Ref|ACOK|42}} While Doran will not send out his armies to give battle unless Dorne itself is at danger, Tyrion Lannister hopes that sending the armies of Dorne to the borders will make the [[Marcher lords]] rethink their loyalty, as well as halt [[Stannis Baratheon]] in marching north.{{Ref|ACOK|41}}
  
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
Because his health does not permit him to travel, Doran sends his younger brother Oberyn to [[King's Landing]] to claim the [[small council]] seat he had been promised and attend King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon's]] wedding to [[Margaery Tyrell]].{{Ref|aSoS|38}}
+
Because his health does not permit him to travel, Doran sends his younger brother Prince [[Oberyn Martell|Oberyn]] to King's Landing to claim the small council seat he had been promised and attend King Joffrey's wedding to Lady [[Margaery Tyrell]].{{Ref|ASOS|38}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
After Oberyn dies during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s [[trial by battle]], {{Ref|aSoS|70}} Doran refuses every suggestion of going to war to avenge his brother, stating that Oberyn's death, by law, was no murder. He returns to Sunspear from the Water Gardens, to show his people that he still holds power. In order to maintain the peace in [[Dorne]], he has Oberyn's bastard daughters (except [[Sarella Sand|Sarella]], who is not in Dorne) imprisoned in comfortable confinement. {{Ref|aFfC|2}} He also meets Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] and her guard, Ser [[Arys Oakheart]], for the first time.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} After his guards foil [[Arianne Martell|Arianne]]'s plan to crown Myrcella, Doran has Arianne arrested and confined to weeks of solitude. Eventually, he frees her, and they discuss why Arianne betrayed him, before Doran reveals to her that he [[Secret marriage pact|had been working]] to restore [[House Targaryen]], and had been plotting to rob Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] of all he held dear before killing him ever since he learned about Elia's death. With [[Viserys Targaryen]] dead, Doran now wants to ally House Martell with Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]], and has send his son [[Quentyn Martell|Quentyn]] to [[Essos]] to escort her to [[Westeros]].{{Ref|aFfC|13}}{{Ref|aFfC|21}}{{Ref|aFfC|40}}
+
[[File: Tim Durning The Long Plan.jpg|thumb|400px|"Vengeance. Justice. Fire and blood." By Tim Durning © FFG]]
 +
After Oberyn dies during [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s [[trial by battle]],{{Ref|ASOS|70}} Doran refuses every suggestion of going to war to avenge his brother, stating that Oberyn's death, by law, was no murder. He returns to Sunspear from the Water Gardens, to show his people that he still holds power. In order to maintain the peace in Dorne, he has Oberyn's [[bastard]] [[Sand Snakes|daughters]] (except [[Sarella Sand|Sarella]], who is not in Dorne) imprisoned in comfortable confinement.{{Ref|AFFC|2}} He also meets Princess Myrcella Baratheon and her [[sworn shield]], Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] of the [[Kingsguard]], for the first time.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} After [[Areo Hotah]] and his guards foil Princess [[Arianne Martell|Arianne]]'s plan to crown Myrcella, Doran has Arianne arrested and confined for several weeks of solitude. Eventually, he frees her, and they discuss why Arianne betrayed him, before Doran reveals to her that he [[Secret marriage pact|had been working]] to restore [[House Targaryen]], and had been plotting to rob Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] of all he held dear before killing him ever since he learned about Elia's death. With [[Viserys Targaryen]] dead, Doran now wants to ally House Martell with Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]], and has sent his son Prince [[Quentyn Martell|Quentyn]] to [[Essos]] to escort her to [[Westeros]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|AFFC|40}}
  
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Raymond Bonilla blackwater bay veteran.jpg‎|Prince Doran in contemplation - by Raymond Bonilla ©|thumb|400px|right]]
+
[[File:Raymond Bonilla Doran's Scheme.jpg‎|thumb|400px|Doran's Scheme, by Raymond Bonilla ©]]
Doran has his bannermen delay Ser [[Balon Swann]] of the [[Kingsguard]], send by Dowager Queen [[Cersei Lannister]], due to Myrcella's injures after Arianne's failed plot.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}} He eventually arrives at [[Sunspear]], where a feast is held in his honour. Doran's daughter [[Arianne Martell|Arianne]], now fully aware of his plans, sits beside him. Doran has also released Oberyn's three eldest daughters, [[Obara Sand|Obara]], [[Tyene Sand|Tyene]] and [[Nymeria Sand|Nymeria]] from captivity, and in front of the three eldest Sand Snakes, [[Ellaria Sand]], [[Areo Hotah]] and half the nobility of [[Dorne]], Doran is presented with the skull of the [[Gregor Clegane]].{{Ref|ADWD|38}}
+
 
 +
Doran has his [[bannermen]] delay Ser [[Balon Swann]] of the [[Kingsguard]], sent by Dowager Queen [[Cersei Lannister]], due to Myrcella's injuries after Arianne's failed plot.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}} He eventually arrives at [[Sunspear]], where a feast is held in his honor. Doran's daughter Princess [[Arianne Martell|Arianne]], now fully aware of his plans, sits beside him. Doran has also released Oberyn's three eldest daughters, [[Obara Sand|Obara]], [[Tyene Sand|Tyene]] and [[Nymeria Sand|Nymeria]] from captivity, and in front of the three eldest [[Sand Snakes]], [[Ellaria Sand]], [[Areo Hotah]] and half the nobility of [[Dorne]], Doran is presented with the [[Mountain's skull|skull]] of Ser [[Gregor Clegane]].{{Ref|ADWD|38}}
  
Ser Balon states that [[Cersei Lannister]] wishes him to bring [[Myrcella Baratheon|Myrcella]] back to King's Landing to visit [[Tommen Baratheon|her brother]]. Doran is invited to fill the vacant Dornish seat on the [[small council]], while Prince [[Trystane Martell|Trystane]] is invited to see the city and befriend the young King. When Doran suggests that traveling by ship may be easier, this unnerves Ser Balon, who states that a voyage by sea would be too dangerous. Doran agrees he is probably right.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}
+
Ser Balon states that Cersei wishes him to bring Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon|Myrcella]] back to [[King's Landing]] to visit her brother, King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]]. Doran is invited to fill the vacant Dornish seat on the small council, while Prince [[Trystane Martell|Trystane]] is invited to see the city and befriend the young king. When Doran suggests that traveling by ship may be easier, this unnerves Ser Balon, who states that a voyage by sea would be too dangerous. Doran agrees he is probably right.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}
  
In a private chamber, Doran Martell reveals to Tyene, Obara, Nymeria, [[Areo Hotah]] and his daughter that Cersei's invitation is an ambush. According to a friend at the court of King’s Landing, the party would be ambushed by brigands shouting "halfman" in the [[Kingswood]], and Trystane would be killed in the attack. Afterwards, Ser Balon would falsely claim that he saw [[Tyrion Lannister]]. The revelation of this plan shocks the elder three daughters of Oberyn.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}
+
In a private chamber, Doran Martell reveals to Tyene, Obara, Nymeria, Areo Hotah and his daughter that Cersei's invitation is an ambush. According to a friend at the court of King’s Landing, the party would be ambushed by brigands shouting "halfman" in the [[Kingswood]], and Trystane would be killed in the attack. Afterwards, Ser Balon would falsely claim that he saw [[Tyrion Lannister]]. The revelation of this plan shocks the elder three daughters of Oberyn.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}
  
Doran says he had been dubious of the plot himself until Ser Balon confirmed his suspicions, by trying to persuade him to avoid a voyage by ship (which would have disrupted all of Cersei's arrangements). The Obara, Nymeria and Tyene are enraged, but Doran will not allow them to harm Ser Balon or his companions as he is under the protection of the [[guest right]].{{Ref|ADWD|38}}
+
Doran says he had been dubious of the plot himself until Ser Balon Swann confirmed his suspicions, by trying to persuade him to avoid a voyage by ship (which would have disrupted all of Cersei's arrangements). Obara, Nymeria, and Tyene are enraged, but Doran will not allow them to harm Ser Balon or his companions as they are under the protection of the [[guest right]].{{Ref|ADWD|38}}
  
To stop this scheme from coming to fruition, Doran has Ser Balon brought to Myrcella, allowing him to find out about her injuries by [[Gerold Dayne]].{{Ref|ADWD|38}} Myrcella lies (under Arianne's direction), claiming that Ser Gerold also killed Ser [[Arys Oakheart]], begging Ser Balon to bring Dayne to justice. Doran has [[Obara Sand|Obara]] escort Ser Balon to [[High Hermitage]], and he is currently hunting for Darkstar.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}}{{ref|ADWD|Epilogue}} Doran sends [[Nymeria Sand|Nymeria]] to [[King's Landing]] to claim the vacant seat on the [[small council]], and [[Tyene Sand|Tyene]] to the [[great Sept of Baelor]] to befriend the New [[High Sparrow|High Septon]].{{Ref|aDwD|38}}
+
To stop this scheme from coming to fruition, Doran has Ser Balon brought to Myrcella, allowing him to find out about her injuries by Ser [[Gerold Dayne]].{{Ref|ADWD|38}} Myrcella lies (under Arianne's direction), claiming that Gerold also killed Ser [[Arys Oakheart]], begging Ser Balon to bring Dayne to justice. Doran has Obara Sand escort Ser Balon to [[High Hermitage]], and he is currently hunting for Darkstar.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}}{{Ref|ADWD|Epilogue}} Doran sends Nymeria Sand to King's Landing to claim the vacant seat on the [[small council]], and Tyene Sand to the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] to befriend the New [[High Sparrow|High Septon]].{{Ref|aDwD|38}}
  
While Doran waits for word from his son, [[Quentyn Martell|Quentyn]], he hears news that a fleet of ships are sailing from [[Lys]] to Westeros.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}
+
While Doran waits for word from his son, Prince [[Quentyn Martell|Quentyn]], he hears news that a fleet of ships are sailing from [[Lys]] to Westeros.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}
  
 
===''The Winds of Winter''===
 
===''The Winds of Winter''===
Doran has received a letter from Lord [[Jon Connington]], stating that his sister Elia's son, [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon Targaryen]], has survived the Sack of King's Landing, and has returned to Westeros after all these years to reclaim the Iron Throne. Doran sends Arianne to the [[Stormlands]] to meet Aegon and Connington.<ref>[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)]]</ref>
+
{{Warning/twow}}
 +
Doran has received a letter from Lord [[Jon Connington]], stating that his sister Elia's son, [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon Targaryen]], survived the [[Sack of King's Landing]], and has returned to [[Westeros]] after all these years to reclaim the [[Iron Throne]]. Doran sends Arianne to the [[stormlands]] to meet Aegon and Connington.<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne I]]</ref>
  
 
==Quotes by Doran==
 
==Quotes by Doran==
{{Quote|Words are like arrows, Arianne. Once loosed, you cannot call them back.{{Ref|aFfC|2}}}} - Doran to [[Arianne Martell]]
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[[File:Mathia Arkoniel DoranM.jpg|thumb|350px|Prince Doran Martell, by Mathia Arkoniel ©]]
  
 +
{{Quote|Words are like arrows, Arianne. Once loosed, you cannot call them back.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}|Doran to [[Arianne Martell]]}}
  
{{Quote|I have worked at the downfall of [[Tywin Lannister]] since the day they told me of [[Elia Martell|Elia]] and her children.{{Ref|aFfC|40}}}} - Doran to [[Arianne Martell]]
+
{{Quote|I have worked at the downfall of [[Tywin Lannister]] since the day they told me of [[Elia Martell|Elia]] and [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Rhaegar)|her]] [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|children]].{{Ref|AFFC|40}}|Doran to [[Arianne Martell]]}}
  
 +
{{Quote|'''Doran''': [[Quentyn Martell|He]] has gone to bring us back our heart's desire.<br>
 +
'''Arianne''': What is our heart's desire?<br>
 +
'''Doran''': Vengeance. Justice. Fire and blood.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}|Doran to [[Arianne Martell]]}}
  
{{Quote|I am not blind, nor deaf. I know you all believe me weak, frightened, feeble. Your father knew me better. [[Oberyn Martell|Oberyn]] was ever the viper. Deadly, dangerous, unpredictable. No man dared tread on him. I was the grass. Pleasant, complaisant, sweet-smelling, swaying with every breeze. Who fears to walk upon the grass? But it is the grass that hides the viper from his enemies and shelters him until he strikes.{{Ref|aDwD|38}}}} - Doran to the [[Sand Snakes]]
+
{{Quote|I am not blind, nor deaf. I know you all believe me weak, frightened, feeble. Your father knew me better. [[Oberyn Martell|Oberyn]] was ever the viper. Deadly, dangerous, unpredictable. No man dared tread on him. I was the grass. Pleasant, complaisant, sweet-smelling, swaying with every breeze. Who fears to walk upon the grass? But it is the grass that hides the viper from his enemies and shelters him until he strikes.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}|Doran to the [[Sand Snakes]]}}
  
 
==Quotes about Doran==
 
==Quotes about Doran==
{{Quote|[Doran] is a cautious man, a reasoned man, subtle, deliberate, even indolent to a degree. He is a man who weighs the consequences of every word and every action.{{ref|aSoS|53}}}} – [[Tywin Lannister]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]
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{{Quote|Doran is a cautious man, a reasoned man, subtle, deliberate, even indolent to a degree. He is a man who weighs the consequences of every word and every action.{{Ref|ASOS|53}}|[[Tywin Lannister]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}
 
 
  
{{Quote|Your father keeps his secrets well, Prince Quentyn. Too well, I fear.{{ref|aDwD|59}}}} - [[Barristan Selmy]] to [[Quentyn Martell]]
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{{Quote|My father is very good at doing nothing. He calls it thinking.{{ref|AFFC|13}}|[[Arianne Martell]] to [[Arys Oakheart]]}}
  
 +
{{Quote|Your father keeps his secrets well, Prince Quentyn. Too well, I fear.{{Ref|ADWD|59}}|[[Barristan Selmy]] to [[Quentyn Martell]]}}
  
{{Quote|Your father married for love, it's said. How much joy has he had of that?{{ref|ADWD|68}}}} - [[Gerris Drinkwater]] to [[Quentyn Martell]]
+
{{Quote|Your father married for love, it's said. How much joy has he had of that?{{Ref|ADWD|68}}|[[Gerris Drinkwater]] to [[Quentyn Martell]]}}
  
 
+
{{Quote|Doran plays to win, whether at [[cyvasse]] or the game of thrones.<ref name=Asshai>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Month/2008/07/ "Asshai.com Forum Chat" (July 27, 2008)]</ref>|[[George R. R. Martin]]}}
{{Quote|Doran plays to win, whether at [[cyvasse]] or the game of thrones.<ref name=Asshai>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Month/2008/07/ "Asshai.com Forum Chat" (July 27, 2008)]</ref>}} - [[George R. R. Martin]]
 
  
 
==Family tree==
 
==Family tree==
 
{{Martell tree}}
 
{{Martell tree}}
  
==References and Notes==
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==References==
{{references|2}}
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{{References|2}}
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{{Princes of Dorne}}
  
[[Category:Princes of Dorne]]
 
 
[[Category:House Martell]]
 
[[Category:House Martell]]
 
[[Category:Characters from Dorne|Martell, Doran]]
 
[[Category:Characters from Dorne|Martell, Doran]]
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[[Category:Characters suffering from gout|Martell, Doran]]
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[[Category:House Gargalen wards|Martell, Doran]]
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[[Category:Lords of Sunspear]]
 
[[Category:Members of the small council|Martell, Doran]]
 
[[Category:Members of the small council|Martell, Doran]]
 
[[Category:Nobles|Martell, Doran]]
 
[[Category:Nobles|Martell, Doran]]
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[[Category:Princes of Dorne]]
 
[[Category:Royalists of Robert's Rebellion|Martell, Doran]]
 
[[Category:Royalists of Robert's Rebellion|Martell, Doran]]
 
[[Category:Supporters of Joffrey Baratheon in the War of the Five Kings|Martell, Doran]]
 
[[Category:Supporters of Joffrey Baratheon in the War of the Five Kings|Martell, Doran]]

Revision as of 15:29, 21 January 2023

House Martell.svg
Doran Martell
House Martell.svg
Doran martell by bellabergolts.jpg
Doran Martell, art by Bella Bergolts ©

Titles
Allegiance House Martell
Predecessor Princess Martell
Culture Dornishmen
Born In 247 AC or 248 AC[1]Sunspear[2]
Mother Princess Martell
Spouse Lady Mellario of Norvos
Issue
Books

Played by Alexander Siddig
TV series Season 5 | Season 6

Prince Doran Nymeros Martell, also known simply as Doran Martell, is the head of House Martell, the Prince of Dorne, and the Lord of Sunspear. Married to Lady Mellario, of the Free City of Norvos, he has three children: Arianne, Quentyn, and Trystane. He's also the elder brother of Elia and Oberyn Martell. In the television adaptation Game of Thrones, he is played by Alexander Siddig.

Appearance and Character

In his early fifties, Doran is a cautious, pensive, and subtle man.[3][4] He is prone to think long on the matters before him, weighing every word and every action.[4][5] He has a bad case of gout which has recently left him unable to walk, instead having to rely on his wheeled chair, or a palanquin, to move around. He appears to be much older than he is in truth. His body is soft and shapeless, and the gout has swollen and reddened the joints of his knees, toes, and hands. He covers his legs and feet with a blanket, blocking the sight of his gout.[6][7] Due to his gout, he only travels in a palanquin,[6][8] and is rarely seen in public, as he does not want to appear weak in the eyes of his enemies.[6]

While his bannermen might consider him weak,[5][6][7] Doran has been focused for years on getting revenge for the murder of his sister, Elia, and her two young children during the Sack of King's Landing during Robert's Rebellion in 283 AC.[3][7]

Because of the early deaths of his siblings Olyvar and Mors, the multiple miscarriages his mother suffered, and the difference in age with his surviving siblings, Elia and Oberyn, Doran was raised alone.[2][6] He still has a deep affection for his sister, and had a good relationship with his younger brother as well.

History

Early life

Doran was the first born child of his parents, and thus heir to his mother, the Princess of Dorne. For years, he was an only child, as his mother had several miscarriages.[2] While he would have four siblings, Mors and Olyvar, both died in the cradle. Doran spent several years of his childhood at the Water Gardens, and by the age of nine, he was a squire to Lord Gargalen at Salt Shore. While there, his mother gave birth to his sister, Elia. As Elia had been born one month premature, Doran was convinced that his sister too would die, as their brothers had done before, but she survived. A year later, Doran's brother Oberyn was born.[6]

As a young man, Doran took a tour through the Free Cities. He visited Volantis and next went to Norvos, where he met his future wife, Lady Mellario.[3] They fell in love and Mellario returned to Dorne with Doran, where they were betrothed and would soon after marry. Areo Hotah escorted Mellario and entered the service of House Martell.[6] In 273 AC, when his mother, her consort, and Doran's two younger siblings traveled through the south of Seven Kingdoms on a quest to find suitable matches for Elia and Oberyn, Doran stayed behind as castellan of Sunspear, with Mellario.[9] Although Mellario was highborn enough to become his wife, most marriages between nobles in Westeros are political. A love match is very uncommon.[10] In 276 AC, Doran and Mellario's first child, Arianne, was born.[11] Around 279 AC, Doran inherited the rule of Dorne.[12]

An unknown amount of time after his siblings had traveled to find suitable marriage candidates, Doran's brother Oberyn fought in a duel with Lord Edgar Yronwood. Due to Oberyn's high birth and young age, the two men had agreed to duel until first blood. Both men were injured, but when Oberyn's cuts healed, and Edgar's festered, eventually resulting in his death, it was whispered Oberyn had fought with a poisoned blade.[8] Doran acted swiftly, sending Oberyn into temporary exile.[13]

Prince of Dorne

Doran's sister Elia Martell was betrothed to Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, the heir of King Aerys II Targaryen, in early 279 AC, and wed him a year later.[14] She had two young children by Rhaegar, Princess Rhaenys and Prince Aegon.[15] When Rhaegar disappeared with Lyanna Stark in 282 AC, not long after Aegon's birth, it started a chain of events leading to Robert's Rebellion,[16] in which the north, and several houses from the stormlands and the Vale of Arryn (later joined by several houses from the riverlands) fought against the Iron Throne and House Targaryen.[17] Doran was furious about the way Elia had been treated by Rhaegar, and as a consequence was slow to lend any aid to the Targaryens.[2] After Rhaegar returned from the south to King's Landing, Doran agreed to send ten thousand Dornishmen to fight in the loyalist army, under the command of his uncle, Prince Lewyn Martell of the Kingsguard,[18][19] understanding that Elia, as the wife to the crown prince, would one day become queen, and that her son Aegon would one day be king.[2]

However, Rhaegar died at the Battle of the Trident,[20] as did Doran's uncle, Lewyn,[21] and King Aerys, believing that Lewyn had betrayed Rhaegar on the Trident, refused to send Elia and her children to Dragonstone alongside his own wife, Queen Rhaella Targaryen, and their son Viserys.[18] Not long after, during the Sack of King's Landing, Elia and her children were killed by Ser Gregor Clegane and Ser Amory Lorch, men from the Lannister host.[20][22] The new king, Robert I Baratheon, was accepting of their deaths.[4] As a consequence, Doran's brother Oberyn attempted to raise Dorne for the exiled Viserys during the year after the rebellion, but the new Hand of the King, Lord Jon Arryn, traveled to Sunspear to return Prince Lewyn's bones, and spoke with Doran, ending all talks of rebellion.[4]

Prince Doran Martell holding a half-peeled blood orange, by Tommy Arnold ©

However, Doran desired revenge for the deaths of Elia and her children as well, and for this purpose, worked closely together with his brother Oberyn for years, planning on destroying all that Lord Tywin Lannister holds dear, before killing him as well.[7] To this end, Oberyn traveled to Braavos, where Ser Willem Darry had fled to with Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen. A secret pact was made, with Oberyn signing for Dorne, and with the Sealord of Braavos as a witness, betrothing Doran's daughter Arianne to the exiled King Viserys.[3][23]

Doran also sent his son Quentyn, born in 281 AC,[24] to serve Lord Ormond Yronwood as a page, and later squire.[25] Quentyn's fostering was done to make peace with the Yronwoods, as enmity between the two houses had arisen after the death of Lord Edgar Yronwood.[8] However, this caused another strain on Doran's marriage to Mellario. Although they had married out of love, their marriage had not been very happy. Mellario had not been able to get used to the Dornish customs, which were so different from the Norvoshi customs.[10][26] As such, Mellario did not approve of Quentyn's fostering, which is not common in Norvoshi culture, believing her son to be much too young at the time.[25] When Doran, after sending Quentyn to Yronwood, planned to send Arianne to Tyrosh to serve as the cupbearer to the Archon of Tyrosh, which would have enabled her to meet her betrothed in secret, Mellario threatened to harm herself, should Doran steal another one of her children. Not wanting to hurt his wife, Doran thus kept Arianne in Dorne.[3] Doran and his wife had a third child, Trystane, who was born in 287 AC.[27] However, Doran and Mellario's marriage continued to deteriorate, and she would never forgive Doran for sending Quentyn away. Eventually, she went back to Norvos.[25]

While he had planned to tell Arianne about her betrothal to the last Targaryen heir when she was sixteen, he decided to keep the secret from her due to her spirited and willful nature.[3] Unbeknownst to Doran, however, Arianne had read a letter Doran had been writing to Quentyn, in which he mentioned that Quentyn would inherit the rule of Dorne from Doran.[3][5] Thus, she had come to believe that Doran's coolness towards her was due to the fact that he wanted to disinherit her, and name Quentyn his heir instead. When Doran suggests numerous aged suitors to her (including Lord Walder Frey, Lord Ben Beesbury, Lord Gyles Rosby, and Lord Estermont), whilst declining more age-matched suitors (like Ser Edmure Tully and Willas Tyrell), it only strengthened her beliefs.[3][25] In truth, Doran had feared that it would be suspicious if he was not seen trying to arrange a betrothal for Arianne, and had only made the suggestions he had because he had known she would reject every single one.[3]

Doran eventually became afflicted with gout. In 298 AC, when still capable of walking, albeit with a stick, Doran moved from Sunspear to the Water Gardens. Two years later, however, Doran's gout has become far worse, and he is no longer able to walk, but instead is usually confined to a wheelchair. Not wanting his enemies to know how feeble he has grown, he remained at the Water Gardens, where he is far away from curious eyes.[6] At the Water Gardens, the summer home of the Martells, he prefers to watch the children at their play, sitting quietly on the terras amongst the orange trees. He only sees his trusted courtiers and advisors,[6] summoning his brother Oberyn twice every fortnight, and his daughter Arianne twice a year.[5]

Prince Doran, by Jacqui Davis ©

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

After Joffrey I Baratheon has been crowned king, Doran Martell and his sons are summoned to court at King's Landing to swear fealty to the Iron Throne.[28] Varys tells Lord Eddard Stark that the Martells still harbor hatred for the Lannisters for what befell Princess Elia and her children.[29]

A Clash of Kings

Renly Baratheon assumes that House Martell will support him during the War of the Five Kings,[30] but Tyrion Lannister, as acting Hand of the King, offers to betroth Princess Myrcella Baratheon to Doran’s youngest son, Prince Trystane Martell, as well as offering Doran justice for his murdered sister Elia and her children, and giving him a seat on the king's small council, and some castles on the Dornish Marches, in return for his loyalty to King Joffrey and support of Dorne in the war.[31] Doran accepts the terms,[32] and by the time Myrcella leaves King's Landing to begin her journey to Sunspear, he has called his banners.[33] Once Myrcella arrives in Braavos, Doran sends his armies to the high passes.[34] While Doran will not send out his armies to give battle unless Dorne itself is at danger, Tyrion Lannister hopes that sending the armies of Dorne to the borders will make the Marcher lords rethink their loyalty, as well as halt Stannis Baratheon in marching north.[33]

A Storm of Swords

Because his health does not permit him to travel, Doran sends his younger brother Prince Oberyn to King's Landing to claim the small council seat he had been promised and attend King Joffrey's wedding to Lady Margaery Tyrell.[8]

A Feast for Crows

"Vengeance. Justice. Fire and blood." By Tim Durning © FFG

After Oberyn dies during Tyrion Lannister's trial by battle,[9] Doran refuses every suggestion of going to war to avenge his brother, stating that Oberyn's death, by law, was no murder. He returns to Sunspear from the Water Gardens, to show his people that he still holds power. In order to maintain the peace in Dorne, he has Oberyn's bastard daughters (except Sarella, who is not in Dorne) imprisoned in comfortable confinement.[6] He also meets Princess Myrcella Baratheon and her sworn shield, Ser Arys Oakheart of the Kingsguard, for the first time.[5] After Areo Hotah and his guards foil Princess Arianne's plan to crown Myrcella, Doran has Arianne arrested and confined for several weeks of solitude. Eventually, he frees her, and they discuss why Arianne betrayed him, before Doran reveals to her that he had been working to restore House Targaryen, and had been plotting to rob Lord Tywin Lannister of all he held dear before killing him ever since he learned about Elia's death. With Viserys Targaryen dead, Doran now wants to ally House Martell with Queen Daenerys Targaryen, and has sent his son Prince Quentyn to Essos to escort her to Westeros.[5][25][3]

A Dance with Dragons

Doran's Scheme, by Raymond Bonilla ©

Doran has his bannermen delay Ser Balon Swann of the Kingsguard, sent by Dowager Queen Cersei Lannister, due to Myrcella's injuries after Arianne's failed plot.[3][7] He eventually arrives at Sunspear, where a feast is held in his honor. Doran's daughter Princess Arianne, now fully aware of his plans, sits beside him. Doran has also released Oberyn's three eldest daughters, Obara, Tyene and Nymeria from captivity, and in front of the three eldest Sand Snakes, Ellaria Sand, Areo Hotah and half the nobility of Dorne, Doran is presented with the skull of Ser Gregor Clegane.[7]

Ser Balon states that Cersei wishes him to bring Princess Myrcella back to King's Landing to visit her brother, King Tommen I Baratheon. Doran is invited to fill the vacant Dornish seat on the small council, while Prince Trystane is invited to see the city and befriend the young king. When Doran suggests that traveling by ship may be easier, this unnerves Ser Balon, who states that a voyage by sea would be too dangerous. Doran agrees he is probably right.[7]

In a private chamber, Doran Martell reveals to Tyene, Obara, Nymeria, Areo Hotah and his daughter that Cersei's invitation is an ambush. According to a friend at the court of King’s Landing, the party would be ambushed by brigands shouting "halfman" in the Kingswood, and Trystane would be killed in the attack. Afterwards, Ser Balon would falsely claim that he saw Tyrion Lannister. The revelation of this plan shocks the elder three daughters of Oberyn.[7]

Doran says he had been dubious of the plot himself until Ser Balon Swann confirmed his suspicions, by trying to persuade him to avoid a voyage by ship (which would have disrupted all of Cersei's arrangements). Obara, Nymeria, and Tyene are enraged, but Doran will not allow them to harm Ser Balon or his companions as they are under the protection of the guest right.[7]

To stop this scheme from coming to fruition, Doran has Ser Balon brought to Myrcella, allowing him to find out about her injuries by Ser Gerold Dayne.[7] Myrcella lies (under Arianne's direction), claiming that Gerold also killed Ser Arys Oakheart, begging Ser Balon to bring Dayne to justice. Doran has Obara Sand escort Ser Balon to High Hermitage, and he is currently hunting for Darkstar.[3][7][35] Doran sends Nymeria Sand to King's Landing to claim the vacant seat on the small council, and Tyene Sand to the Great Sept of Baelor to befriend the New High Septon.[7]

While Doran waits for word from his son, Prince Quentyn, he hears news that a fleet of ships are sailing from Lys to Westeros.[7]

The Winds of Winter

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Doran has received a letter from Lord Jon Connington, stating that his sister Elia's son, Aegon Targaryen, survived the Sack of King's Landing, and has returned to Westeros after all these years to reclaim the Iron Throne. Doran sends Arianne to the stormlands to meet Aegon and Connington.[36]

Quotes by Doran

Prince Doran Martell, by Mathia Arkoniel ©

Words are like arrows, Arianne. Once loosed, you cannot call them back.[6]

—Doran to Arianne Martell

I have worked at the downfall of Tywin Lannister since the day they told me of Elia and her children.[3]

—Doran to Arianne Martell

Doran: He has gone to bring us back our heart's desire.

Arianne: What is our heart's desire?

Doran: Vengeance. Justice. Fire and blood.[3]

—Doran to Arianne Martell

I am not blind, nor deaf. I know you all believe me weak, frightened, feeble. Your father knew me better. Oberyn was ever the viper. Deadly, dangerous, unpredictable. No man dared tread on him. I was the grass. Pleasant, complaisant, sweet-smelling, swaying with every breeze. Who fears to walk upon the grass? But it is the grass that hides the viper from his enemies and shelters him until he strikes.[7]

—Doran to the Sand Snakes

Quotes about Doran

Doran is a cautious man, a reasoned man, subtle, deliberate, even indolent to a degree. He is a man who weighs the consequences of every word and every action.[4]

My father is very good at doing nothing. He calls it thinking.[5]

Your father keeps his secrets well, Prince Quentyn. Too well, I fear.[37]

Your father married for love, it's said. How much joy has he had of that?[38]

Doran plays to win, whether at cyvasse or the game of thrones.[39]

Family tree

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Princess
of Dorne
 
Prince
Consort
 
 
 
 
 
Lewyn
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Doran
 
Mellario
of Norvos
 
Mors
 
Olyvar
 
Elia
 
Rhaegar
Targaryen
 
 
 
 
Various
women
 
Oberyn
 
Ellaria
Sand
 
 
Manfrey
 
Unknown
wife
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Arianne
 
Quentyn
 
Trystane
 
 
 
 
 
Rhaenys
Targaryen
 
Aegon
Targaryen
 
Obara
Sand
 
 
Tyene
Sand
 
 
Elia
Sand
 
 
Dorea
Sand
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nymeria
Sand
 
Sarella
Sand
 
Obella
Sand
 
Loreza
Sand
 


References

  1. See the Doran Martell calculation.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Doran Martell.
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 40, Princess In The Tower.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 53, Tyrion VI.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 13, The Soiled Knight.
  6. 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 2, The Captain Of Guards.
  7. 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 38, The Watcher.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 38, Tyrion V.
  9. 9.0 9.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 70, Tyrion X.
  10. 10.0 10.1 So Spake Martin: Asshai.com Interview in Barcelona (July 28, 2012)
  11. See the Arianne Martell calculation
  12. See the calculation on the timing of Doran Martell's inheritance of Dorne
  13. The Winds of Winter, Arianne I
  14. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II.
  15. A Game of Thrones, Appendix.
  16. The World of Ice & Fire, The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring.
  17. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 2, Catelyn I.
  18. 18.0 18.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 37, Jaime V.
  19. The World of Ice & Fire, The Fall of the Dragons: Robert's Rebellion.
  20. 20.0 20.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 3, Daenerys I.
  21. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 23, Alayne I.
  22. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 30, Eddard VII.
  23. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 43, Daenerys VII.
  24. See the Quentyn Martell calculation
  25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 21, The Queenmaker.
  26. The World of Ice & Fire, The Free Cities: Norvos.
  27. See the Trystane Martell calculation
  28. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 57, Sansa V.
  29. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 58, Eddard XV.
  30. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 22, Catelyn II.
  31. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 20, Tyrion V.
  32. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 25, Tyrion VI.
  33. 33.0 33.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 41, Tyrion IX.
  34. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 42, Davos II.
  35. A Dance with Dragons, Epilogue.
  36. The Winds of Winter, Arianne I
  37. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 59, The Discarded Knight.
  38. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 68, The Dragontamer.
  39. So Spake Martin: "Asshai.com Forum Chat" (July 27, 2008)