Difference between revisions of "Mushroom"

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{{about|the fool
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|the fungus|Mushroom (fungi)}}
 
{{Character
 
{{Character
| Character_name = Mushroom
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| nickname = Mushroom
| image =
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| image = Mushroom.jpg
| image_caption =
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| image_caption = Mushroom as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.
| Alias = Mushroom
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| Alias =
| Title = [[Court fool]]
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| Title =  
 
| Allegiance = [[House Targaryen]]<br>[[House Manderly]]
 
| Allegiance = [[House Targaryen]]<br>[[House Manderly]]
 
| Race =
 
| Race =
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| Spouse =
 
| Spouse =
 
| Place_of_Birth =
 
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = before {{Date|103}}<ref name=ages>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Mushroom|Mushroom]] calculation.''</ref>
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| Date_of_Birth = or before {{Date|103}}<ref name=ages>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Mushroom|Mushroom]] calculation.''</ref>
 
| Place_of_Death =
 
| Place_of_Death =
 
| Date_of_Death = or after {{Date|157}}<ref name=ages/>
 
| Date_of_Death = or after {{Date|157}}<ref name=ages/>
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[Fire and Blood]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
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| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[Fire and Blood]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
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| Coat-of-arms =
 
}}
 
}}
 
'''Mushroom''' was a [[dwarf]] [[fool]] at the courts of [[Viserys I Targaryen]], [[Aegon II Targaryen]], [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], and [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. He was believed to be a [[lackwit]], which caused nobles to speak freely around him. His tales of plots, murders, trysts, and debaucheries were recorded in ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom]]'' by an unknown scribe.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}
 
  
==Appearance==
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'''Mushroom''' was a [[dwarf]] who served as a [[fool]] at the courts of [[Viserys I Targaryen]], [[Aegon II Targaryen]], [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], and [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. He allegedly recorded the events that occurred during his time at their courts in ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom]]'', written by an unknown scribe.
Mushroom was three feet tall, with a very large head. He also claimed to have a large penis to match the size of his head.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}
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Mushroom's ''Testimony'' is filled with tales of plots, murders, trysts, debaucheries, and many other salacious claims. The fool's account is frequently cited by Archmaester [[Gyldayn]] in his [[Fire & Blood|Targaryen history]], in which it is often compared to the accounts of other historians, like Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] and Grand Maester [[Munkun]]. Many of the wild claims of Mushroom, who according to Gyldayn loved Rhaenyra greatly, are disputed by the account of Eustace, a supporter of Aegon II, Rhaenyra's half-brother and enemy.{{Ref|twoiaf|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
 +
 
 +
==Appearance and Character==
 +
Mushroom was three feet tall, with a very large head. He also claimed to have a large penis to match the size of his head.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}
 +
 
 +
Mushroom was erroneously believed to be a feeble-minded [[lackwit]] by the nobility at court, and as such they did not attempt to hide their secrets from him.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Mushroom made various claims, and is cited in several history books, where his record of events is included along with the views of somewhat more accurate historians. [[Septon]] [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]]'s account often disputes many of his wild claims.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}{{Ref|TRP}}{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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===Reign of Viserys I===
 +
Mushroom served as the court [[fool]] during the reign of [[Viserys I Targaryen]], and he spoke of what transpired at Viserys's court in ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom]]''. His accounts often conflict with the records of Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]]. Mushroom claimed that Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] took the [[maiden]]head of Lady [[Alicent Hightower]], and that he assisted Daemon in teaching [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] "how best to touch a man to bring him pleasure". He later played a part in revealing their activities to King Viserys I, Rhaenyra's father. He claims to have found Rhaenyra in bed together with Ser [[Harwin Strong]] in {{Date|113}}. Not long after, Mushroom traveled with Rhaenyra and her court to [[Dragonstone]].
 +
 
 +
In the years that followed, Rhaenyra and Alicent could scarce suffer each other's presence, and Rhaenyra continued to spend most of her time at Dragonstone, where Mushroom remained to attend to her. After King Viserys lost two of his fingers due to sepsis in {{Date|126}}, he held court only from his [[solar]], and later his bedchamber, surrounded by maesters, septons, and Mushroom, who claimed he was the only man who could still make the king laugh.{{Ref|fab|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} By the time of Viserys's death on the third day of the third month in {{Date|129}}, Mushroom was once again on Dragonstone, in Rhaenyra's service.{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
  
Copies of ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom]]'' were burned on orders of King [[Baelor I Targaryen|Baelor the Blessed]],{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}} but some survived the fires to be referred to in [[Archmaester]] [[Gyldayn]]'s histories.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
+
===The Dance of the Dragons===
 +
Mushroom was at [[Dragonstone]] in [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s service at the outbreak of the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. When Rhaenyra gave birth to the stillborn [[Visenya Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Visenya]], Mushroom, according to his own account, carried the babe to the yard for her cremation.{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} He later witnessed the duel between the twins Ser [[Arryk Cargyll|Arryk]] and Ser [[Erryk Cargyll]] of the [[Kingsguard]] in the castle.{{Ref|twoiaf|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
  
===The Reign of Viserys I===
+
Mushroom claims to have aided Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] and Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys Targaryen]] in preventing [[Joffrey Velaryon]] from mounting his [[dragon]] to avenge his brother, [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]].{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} During the civil war, Mushroom was present during the war councils held by the [[blacks]].{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Following the death of Princess Rhaenys in the [[battle at Rook's Rest]] in late {{Date|129}}, Mushroom claims he was the only person who could make Rhaenyra happy.{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
Mushroom wrote of what transpired during the reign of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]]. His accounts often conflicted with the records of Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]]. An example of a claim made by Mushroom: he claimed Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] took the [[maiden]]head of Lady [[Alicent Hightower]].{{Ref|TRP}} Mushroom also accused Prince Daemon of arranging the death of Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]] by paying his spurned lover, Ser [[Qarl Correy]] to kill him, thus making his niece, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], available for Daemon to marry.{{Ref|TRP}}
 
  
===The Dance of the Dragons===
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According to Mushroom, the [[Sowing of the Seeds]] was his notion, although [[Munkun]] credits the idea to Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]. In his ''Testimony'', Mushroom speaks in detail about his attempt to mount a [[dragon]], [[Silverwing]], ending with Mushroom's pantaloons on fire, which he put out by leaping into a well, which almost caused him to drown.{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
:{{see also|Dance of the Dragons}}
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In {{Date|130}}, after [[King's Landing]] had [[fall of King's Landing|fallen]] to Rhaenyra's forces, Mushroom accompanied Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]] and Rhaenyra's ladies to the capital. There, he remained by Rhaenyra's side.{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Mushroom watched the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]] from the roof of [[Maegor's Holdfast]], together with Rhaenyra, two of her sons, and members of her court. When Rhaenyra insisted that the [[smallfolk]] would not be able to kill the dragons housed within the [[Dragonpit]], Mushroom was skeptical of her claim. Rhaenyra instructed Mushroom to hold his tongue or otherwise lose it, so when the fool saw Prince [[Joffrey Velaryon]] sulk off, he kept silent, according to his ''Testimony''. Joffrey subsequently died together with Rhaenyra's dragon, [[Syrax]] in an attempt to save his own dragon, [[Tyraxes]].{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}
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Mushroom remained to attend to Rhaenyra following the deaths of Joffrey and Syrax, while Rhaenyra's counselors conferred. When Rhaenyra fled the capital the next day, Mushroom remained in the [[Red Keep]], which was soon given over to Ser [[Perkin the Flea]]. Rhaenyra ended up [[flight to Dragonstone|dying at Dragonstone]].{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}
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Mushroom remained at the Red Keep after the forces of King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] took the castle back from [[Trystane Truefyre]] and Ser Perkin, and he served Aegon II as one of his fools.{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} According to Mushroom, Aegon II, who was incapable of sexual congress due to his severe injuries, often watched as one of his male favorites had sex with a woman from his court, and had Mushroom himself thrice perform the service. On the day of Aegon's death, according to his own account, Mushroom witnessed the murder of [[Ummet]], the king's food taster, and claims he was forced to hide for a night in a barrel of flour to prevent from being killed himself.{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
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===Regency of Aegon III===
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After King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] died in mid-{{Date|131}}, Mushroom was one of the members of the royal court who gathered in the hall to greet the [[riverlords]] leading their army against Aegon II. During the [[Hour of the Wolf]], Mushroom testified against the men who had murdered [[Ummet]].{{Ref|fab|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
  
Mushroom writings detail his own account of what happened during the [[Dance of the Dragons|civil war]]. He also asserts that he was the only one that [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] came to completely trust.
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For the first few years of the [[regency of Aegon III]], Mushroom remained at court. When Lord [[Manfryd Mooton]] traveled to [[Braavos]] to treat with the [[Sealord of Braavos|Sealord]], Mushroom supposedly hid in a wine cask on the ship, as to escape the gloom of the Red Keep.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}} The Sealord was so amused by Mushroom that he made the dwarf a handsome offer to remain in Braavos, but Mushroom declined.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}
  
===The Regency of Aegon III===
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Following the death of Queen [[Jaehaera Targaryen]], Mushroom was frequently in the presence of King [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. Although he was unable to make the king laugh, he was often summoned by Aegon to delight [[Gaemon Palehair]], the king's companion, with his japes. In the weeks leading up to the ball where Aegon was to chose a new wife, the dwarf told the king many rumors about the maidens who were set to be presented to the king. Mushroom states he had been given the choice between "silver or steel" by [[Tessario]], Lord [[Unwin Peake]]'s captain of guard, and agreed to be paid "handsomely" for this service. Mushroom was present for the ball, which he would afterwards dub the [[Maiden's Day Cattle Show]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}
:{{see also|Regency of Aegon III}}
 
  
During the [[regency of Aegon III]], Mushroom remained at court. He mocked [[Tessario]] as Tessario the Thumb in reference to the name of Lord [[Unwin Peake]]'s personal [[Fingers (guards)|guard]], who Tessario commanded. When Lord Unwin arranged a Maiden' ball for King [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]] to choose his own bride, Mushroom scorned the ball as the [[Maiden's Day Cattle Show]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}
+
Mushroom was often summoned to perform for Aegon III and the new queen, [[Daenaera Velaryon]], at supper. In {{Date|135}}, during one such suppers, Mushroom was present when Gaemon began to complain of cramping in his gut. By the time Mushroom returned with Grand Maester [[Munkun]], Gaemon had already collapsed from the [[poison]], and died within the hour.{{Ref|fab|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
  
During the [[secret siege]], Mushroom was within [[Maegor's Holdfast]] with King Aegon and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys]]. When Lord [[Thaddeus Rowan]], who had been tortured for days, was brought before the battlements and falsely confessed to the king and prince his involvement in a plot, it was soon clear to Viserys that Thaddeus had been broken by his experience and simply responded affirmatively when accused of anything, a point that was exemplified when Mushroom asked him if he [[poison]]ed King [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]], to which Thaddeus said he had.{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
+
During the [[secret siege]], Mushroom was within [[Maegor's Holdfast]] with Aegon, Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], and Queen Daenaera. When Lord [[Thaddeus Rowan]], who had been tortured for days, was brought before the battlements and falsely confessed to the king and prince his involvement in a plot, it was soon clear to Viserys that Thaddeus had been broken by his experience and simply responded affirmatively when accused of anything, a point that was exemplified when Mushroom asked him if he had [[poison]]ed King [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]], to which Thaddeus said he had.{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
  
After the siege ended and the real conspirators were caught, Lord Rowan was reinstated in his post as a [[regent]] and [[King's Hand]], but only for a moon's turn as it was soon clear to all he was no longer fit for the office. Mushroom continued to mock Thaddeus while he was at court, and once got him to confess to causing the [[Doom of Valyria]]. When King Aegon came of age and dismissed the regents and his Hand of the King, Lord [[Torrhen Manderly]]. Mushroom who had become fond of Lord Torrhen choose to leave court and accompany him to [[White Harbor]], for Mushroom had no desire to stay for a king who never laughed and barely smiled.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
+
After the siege ended and the real conspirators were caught, Lord Rowan was reinstated in his post as a [[regent]] and [[King's Hand]], but only for a moon's turn as it was soon clear to all he was no longer fit for the office. Mushroom continued to mock Thaddeus while he was at court, and once got him to confess to causing the [[Doom of Valyria]]. When King Aegon came of age and dismissed the regents and his new Hand of the King, Lord [[Torrhen Manderly]]. Mushroom, who had become fond of Torrhen, accepted his offer and choose to leave court for a place at [[White Harbor]], as he had no desire to stay in the Red Keep for a king who never laughed and barely smiled.{{Ref|twoiaf|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
  
 
==Later life==
 
==Later life==
After spending time at the [[Merman's Court]] in [[White Harbor]], Mushroom visited the [[Sealord's Palace]] in [[Braavos]] and [[Port of Ibben]] on the island of [[Ib]]. He also spent time amongst [[Mummer|mummers]] of the [[Lisping Lady]].{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
+
Mushroom outlived the reign of King [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. After spending time at the [[Merman's Court]] in [[White Harbor]], Mushroom visited the [[Sealord's Palace]] in [[Braavos]] and [[Port of Ibben]] on the island of [[Ib]]. He also spent time amongst the [[Mummer|mummers]] of the ''[[Lisping Lady]]''.{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
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 +
===Legacy===
 +
Copies of ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom]]'' were burned on orders of King [[Baelor I Targaryen]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}} but some survived the fires to be referred to in Archmaester [[Gyldayn]]'s histories.{{Ref|twoiaf|The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
{{Quote|'''Joffrey:''' Mother, what if they kill [[Tyraxes]]?<br>
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{{Quote|What did [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys]] ever have that [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|she]] did not? A little sausage? Is that all it takes to be a king? Let Mushroom rule, then. My sausage is thrice the size of his.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}|Mushroom on [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]'s and the [[Great Council]]'s choice on the royal succession}}
'''Rhaenyra:''' They are vermin. Drunks and fools and gutter rats. One taste of [[dragonflame]] and they will run.<br>
 
'''Mushroom:''' Drunks they may be, but a drunken man knows not fear. Fools, aye, but a fool can kill a king. Rats, that too, but a thousand rats can bring down a bear. I saw it happen once, down there in [[Flea Bottom]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}|[[Joffrey Velaryon]], [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], and Mushroom on the [[storming of the Dragonpit]]}}
 
  
{{Quote|I mean to give the [[smallfolk]] peace and food and [[Law and justice|justice]]. If that will not suffice to win their love, let Mushroom make a progress.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}|[[Aegon III Targaryen]] to his [[small council]]}}
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{{Quote|Only I could lighten [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Her Grace's]] heart. In this dark hour, I became the queen's counselor, setting aside my [[fool]]'s sceptre and pointed hat to lend her all my wisdom and compassion. Unbeknownst to all, it was the jester who ruled them now, an invisible king in motley.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|Mushroom during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]}}
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 +
{{Quote|'''Joffrey''': Mother, what if they kill [[Tyraxes]]?<br>
 +
'''Rhaenyra''': [[smallfolk|They are vermin]]. Drunks and fools and gutter rats. One taste of [[dragonflame]] and they will run.<br>
 +
'''Mushroom''': Drunks they may be, but a drunken man knows not fear. Fools, aye, but a fool can kill a king. Rats, that too, but a thousand rats can bring down a bear. I saw it happen once, down there in [[Flea Bottom]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}|[[Joffrey Velaryon]], [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], and Mushroom on the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]]}}
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{{Quote|I was myself tempted to return to my cask of flour, but thankfully I proved too small for [[Cregan Stark|the wolf]] to notice.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}|Mushroom on the many arrests during the [[Hour of the Wolf]]}}
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{{Quote|I do confess that I was tempted. In [[Westeros]] my wit is wasted capering for [[Aegon III Targaryen|a king who never smiles]], but in [[Braavos]] they would love me… too well, I fear. Every [[courtesan]] would want me, and soon or late some [[bravo]] would take umbrage at the size of my member and prick me with his little pointy dwarf-skewer. So back to the [[Red Keep]] Mushroom scurried, and more fool me.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}|Mushroom on the [[Sealord of Braavos|Sealord]]'s offer to remain in [[Braavos]]}}
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{{Quote|I mean to give the [[smallfolk]] peace and food and [[Laws and justice of the Seven Kingdoms|justice]]. If that will not suffice to win their love, let Mushroom make a [[progress]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}|[[Aegon III Targaryen]] to [[Torrhen Manderly]]}}
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
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[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands]]
 
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands]]
 
[[Category:Dwarfs]]
 
[[Category:Dwarfs]]
[[Category:Smallfolk]]
 
[[Category:Jesters]]
 
[[Category:Mummers]]
 
 
[[Category:House Targaryen retainers]]
 
[[Category:House Targaryen retainers]]
 
[[Category:House Manderly retainers]]
 
[[Category:House Manderly retainers]]
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[[Category:Jesters]]
 
[[Category:Members of Viserys I Targaryen's court]]
 
[[Category:Members of Viserys I Targaryen's court]]
 
[[Category:Members of Rhaenyra Targaryen's court]]
 
[[Category:Members of Rhaenyra Targaryen's court]]
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[[Category:Members of Trystane Truefyre's court]]
 
[[Category:Members of Trystane Truefyre's court]]
 
[[Category:Members of Aegon III Targaryen's court]]
 
[[Category:Members of Aegon III Targaryen's court]]
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[[Category:Mummers]]
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[[Category:Smallfolk]]
  
 
[[es:Seta]]
 
[[es:Seta]]
 
[[fr:Mushroom]]
 
[[fr:Mushroom]]

Revision as of 11:37, 21 April 2023

Mushroom
Mushroom.jpg
Mushroom as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in Fire & Blood.

Allegiances
Culture Crownlands
Born In or before 103 AC[1]
Died In or after 157 AC[1]
Books

Mushroom was a dwarf who served as a fool at the courts of Viserys I Targaryen, Aegon II Targaryen, Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Aegon III Targaryen. He allegedly recorded the events that occurred during his time at their courts in The Testimony of Mushroom, written by an unknown scribe.

Mushroom's Testimony is filled with tales of plots, murders, trysts, debaucheries, and many other salacious claims. The fool's account is frequently cited by Archmaester Gyldayn in his Targaryen history, in which it is often compared to the accounts of other historians, like Septon Eustace and Grand Maester Munkun. Many of the wild claims of Mushroom, who according to Gyldayn loved Rhaenyra greatly, are disputed by the account of Eustace, a supporter of Aegon II, Rhaenyra's half-brother and enemy.[2][3]

Appearance and Character

Mushroom was three feet tall, with a very large head. He also claimed to have a large penis to match the size of his head.[2]

Mushroom was erroneously believed to be a feeble-minded lackwit by the nobility at court, and as such they did not attempt to hide their secrets from him.[2][3]

History

Reign of Viserys I

Mushroom served as the court fool during the reign of Viserys I Targaryen, and he spoke of what transpired at Viserys's court in The Testimony of Mushroom. His accounts often conflict with the records of Septon Eustace. Mushroom claimed that Prince Daemon Targaryen took the maidenhead of Lady Alicent Hightower, and that he assisted Daemon in teaching Rhaenyra Targaryen "how best to touch a man to bring him pleasure". He later played a part in revealing their activities to King Viserys I, Rhaenyra's father. He claims to have found Rhaenyra in bed together with Ser Harwin Strong in 113 AC. Not long after, Mushroom traveled with Rhaenyra and her court to Dragonstone.

In the years that followed, Rhaenyra and Alicent could scarce suffer each other's presence, and Rhaenyra continued to spend most of her time at Dragonstone, where Mushroom remained to attend to her. After King Viserys lost two of his fingers due to sepsis in 126 AC, he held court only from his solar, and later his bedchamber, surrounded by maesters, septons, and Mushroom, who claimed he was the only man who could still make the king laugh.[3] By the time of Viserys's death on the third day of the third month in 129 AC, Mushroom was once again on Dragonstone, in Rhaenyra's service.[4]

The Dance of the Dragons

Mushroom was at Dragonstone in Rhaenyra Targaryen's service at the outbreak of the Dance of the Dragons. When Rhaenyra gave birth to the stillborn Visenya, Mushroom, according to his own account, carried the babe to the yard for her cremation.[4] He later witnessed the duel between the twins Ser Arryk and Ser Erryk Cargyll of the Kingsguard in the castle.[5]

Mushroom claims to have aided Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen in preventing Joffrey Velaryon from mounting his dragon to avenge his brother, Lucerys.[6] During the civil war, Mushroom was present during the war councils held by the blacks.[7] Following the death of Princess Rhaenys in the battle at Rook's Rest in late 129 AC, Mushroom claims he was the only person who could make Rhaenyra happy.[7]

According to Mushroom, the Sowing of the Seeds was his notion, although Munkun credits the idea to Prince Jacaerys Velaryon. In his Testimony, Mushroom speaks in detail about his attempt to mount a dragon, Silverwing, ending with Mushroom's pantaloons on fire, which he put out by leaping into a well, which almost caused him to drown.[7]

In 130 AC, after King's Landing had fallen to Rhaenyra's forces, Mushroom accompanied Prince Aegon the Younger and Rhaenyra's ladies to the capital. There, he remained by Rhaenyra's side.[8] Mushroom watched the Storming of the Dragonpit from the roof of Maegor's Holdfast, together with Rhaenyra, two of her sons, and members of her court. When Rhaenyra insisted that the smallfolk would not be able to kill the dragons housed within the Dragonpit, Mushroom was skeptical of her claim. Rhaenyra instructed Mushroom to hold his tongue or otherwise lose it, so when the fool saw Prince Joffrey Velaryon sulk off, he kept silent, according to his Testimony. Joffrey subsequently died together with Rhaenyra's dragon, Syrax in an attempt to save his own dragon, Tyraxes.[9]

Mushroom remained to attend to Rhaenyra following the deaths of Joffrey and Syrax, while Rhaenyra's counselors conferred. When Rhaenyra fled the capital the next day, Mushroom remained in the Red Keep, which was soon given over to Ser Perkin the Flea. Rhaenyra ended up dying at Dragonstone.[9]

Mushroom remained at the Red Keep after the forces of King Aegon II Targaryen took the castle back from Trystane Truefyre and Ser Perkin, and he served Aegon II as one of his fools.[10] According to Mushroom, Aegon II, who was incapable of sexual congress due to his severe injuries, often watched as one of his male favorites had sex with a woman from his court, and had Mushroom himself thrice perform the service. On the day of Aegon's death, according to his own account, Mushroom witnessed the murder of Ummet, the king's food taster, and claims he was forced to hide for a night in a barrel of flour to prevent from being killed himself.[10]

Regency of Aegon III

After King Aegon II Targaryen died in mid-131 AC, Mushroom was one of the members of the royal court who gathered in the hall to greet the riverlords leading their army against Aegon II. During the Hour of the Wolf, Mushroom testified against the men who had murdered Ummet.[11]

For the first few years of the regency of Aegon III, Mushroom remained at court. When Lord Manfryd Mooton traveled to Braavos to treat with the Sealord, Mushroom supposedly hid in a wine cask on the ship, as to escape the gloom of the Red Keep.[12] The Sealord was so amused by Mushroom that he made the dwarf a handsome offer to remain in Braavos, but Mushroom declined.[12]

Following the death of Queen Jaehaera Targaryen, Mushroom was frequently in the presence of King Aegon III Targaryen. Although he was unable to make the king laugh, he was often summoned by Aegon to delight Gaemon Palehair, the king's companion, with his japes. In the weeks leading up to the ball where Aegon was to chose a new wife, the dwarf told the king many rumors about the maidens who were set to be presented to the king. Mushroom states he had been given the choice between "silver or steel" by Tessario, Lord Unwin Peake's captain of guard, and agreed to be paid "handsomely" for this service. Mushroom was present for the ball, which he would afterwards dub the Maiden's Day Cattle Show.[12]

Mushroom was often summoned to perform for Aegon III and the new queen, Daenaera Velaryon, at supper. In 135 AC, during one such suppers, Mushroom was present when Gaemon began to complain of cramping in his gut. By the time Mushroom returned with Grand Maester Munkun, Gaemon had already collapsed from the poison, and died within the hour.[13]

During the secret siege, Mushroom was within Maegor's Holdfast with Aegon, Prince Viserys Targaryen, and Queen Daenaera. When Lord Thaddeus Rowan, who had been tortured for days, was brought before the battlements and falsely confessed to the king and prince his involvement in a plot, it was soon clear to Viserys that Thaddeus had been broken by his experience and simply responded affirmatively when accused of anything, a point that was exemplified when Mushroom asked him if he had poisoned King Viserys I, to which Thaddeus said he had.[13]

After the siege ended and the real conspirators were caught, Lord Rowan was reinstated in his post as a regent and King's Hand, but only for a moon's turn as it was soon clear to all he was no longer fit for the office. Mushroom continued to mock Thaddeus while he was at court, and once got him to confess to causing the Doom of Valyria. When King Aegon came of age and dismissed the regents and his new Hand of the King, Lord Torrhen Manderly. Mushroom, who had become fond of Torrhen, accepted his offer and choose to leave court for a place at White Harbor, as he had no desire to stay in the Red Keep for a king who never laughed and barely smiled.[14][13]

Later life

Mushroom outlived the reign of King Aegon III Targaryen. After spending time at the Merman's Court in White Harbor, Mushroom visited the Sealord's Palace in Braavos and Port of Ibben on the island of Ib. He also spent time amongst the mummers of the Lisping Lady.[13]

Legacy

Copies of The Testimony of Mushroom were burned on orders of King Baelor I Targaryen,[15] but some survived the fires to be referred to in Archmaester Gyldayn's histories.[15][3]

Quotes

What did Viserys ever have that she did not? A little sausage? Is that all it takes to be a king? Let Mushroom rule, then. My sausage is thrice the size of his.[4]

—Mushroom on Jaehaerys I Targaryen's and the Great Council's choice on the royal succession

Only I could lighten Her Grace's heart. In this dark hour, I became the queen's counselor, setting aside my fool's sceptre and pointed hat to lend her all my wisdom and compassion. Unbeknownst to all, it was the jester who ruled them now, an invisible king in motley.[7]

—Mushroom during the Dance of the Dragons

Joffrey: Mother, what if they kill Tyraxes?

Rhaenyra: They are vermin. Drunks and fools and gutter rats. One taste of dragonflame and they will run.

Mushroom: Drunks they may be, but a drunken man knows not fear. Fools, aye, but a fool can kill a king. Rats, that too, but a thousand rats can bring down a bear. I saw it happen once, down there in Flea Bottom.[9]

I was myself tempted to return to my cask of flour, but thankfully I proved too small for the wolf to notice.[11]

—Mushroom on the many arrests during the Hour of the Wolf

I do confess that I was tempted. In Westeros my wit is wasted capering for a king who never smiles, but in Braavos they would love me… too well, I fear. Every courtesan would want me, and soon or late some bravo would take umbrage at the size of my member and prick me with his little pointy dwarf-skewer. So back to the Red Keep Mushroom scurried, and more fool me.[12]

—Mushroom on the Sealord's offer to remain in Braavos

I mean to give the smallfolk peace and food and justice. If that will not suffice to win their love, let Mushroom make a progress.[14]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 See the Mushroom calculation.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens.
  5. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II.
  6. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold.
  8. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II.
  11. 11.0 11.1 Fire & Blood, Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Fire & Blood, The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency.
  14. 14.0 14.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III.
  15. 15.0 15.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I.