First night

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The first night is a mostly extinct marriage tradition in Westeros.[1] Under this tradition, when commoners or peasants marry, their lord or king might bed the bride on the first night. This tradition sometimes even allows kings to bed the wives of nobles on their wedding night, although this rarely takes place, as a shrewd ruler would be aware of the resentment this would cause and how easily it could make enemies.

The tradition of the lord's right to the first night led some commoners to marry in secret or not inform their lords of the marriage, as they had no wish to share their brides, nor did the bride often wished to be shared. In Westeros, it was practiced for centuries until the reign of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen who, under the advice of his adored Queen Consort Alysanne, banned the tradition.[2] This made Alysanne beloved of the smallfolk, though some lords resented it.

Although it is now against the law, some houses in Westeros, such as House Bolton and House Umber (although they deny it), as well as the inhabitants of Skagos and some northern mountain clans, are rumored to still illicitly uphold the first night.[1] At Lord Tywin Lannister's marriage to Joanna Lannister, King Aerys II Targaryen drunkenly japed about how it was a pity the first night was banned, and he took certain liberties in the bedding ritual when the men at the feast had to disrobe the bride.[3]

Quotes

The moment I set eyes on her I wanted her. Such was my due ... The miller's marriage had been performed without my leave or knowledge. The man had cheated me. So I had him hanged, and claimed my rights beneath the tree where he was swaying.[1]

- Roose Bolton

See also

  • Customs for additional information on customs and traditions of westeros.
  • Droit du seigneur's (a similar custom that is not proven to have existed) article in Wikipedia.

References and Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 32, Reek III.
  2. The Sworn Sword, Legends II, ISBN 978-0345456441, page 88 of 73-152.
  3. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 43, Daenerys VII.