Reek
Heke | |
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Alias | Reek |
Allegiance | House Bolton |
Died | In 299 AL, the North |
Books |
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Reek is a servant in service to House Bolton. His real name may be Heke.[1] He is the personal servant of Ramsay Snow. He is reportedly never far from his master and almost as renowned for his cruelty as Ramsay is, and appears to practice necrophilia.[2] Due to his stench he is rumored to never bathe.[3]
Contents
History
According to Roose Bolton, before Reek was given to Ramsay he bathed three times a day and wore flowers in his hair, but always smelled appalling being born that way.[4] Having a bad odor not caused by lack of hygiene is a real disease called Trimethylaminuria.
Reek once doused himself with perfumes stolen from Roose's wife to try and get rid of his smell but was caught and whipped (even his blood smelled bad according to Roose). He tried it again a year later this time drinking a perfume and almost died. Despite his disease he was otherwise healthy and strong but no one in the Dreadfort (even the horses) could stand to be near him, so he slept in a sty with the pigs.[4]
When Ramsay's mother came to the Dreadfort and asked for a servant to help her raise her unruly and wild son, Roose gave her "Reek" as a jape. However Ramsay and Reek became inseparable and Roose often wonders if Reek corrupted Ramsay or if Ramsay corrupted Reek. According to Roose, Reek never had any training in arms fighting, though he was Ramsay's tutor in martial prowess, which explains Ramsay's vicious and overly aggressive style of swordsmanship.[4]
Recent Events
A Clash of Kings
During a hunting trip Ramsay Snow and Reek are attacked by men sworn to Ser Rodrik Cassel, shortly after Reek had raped the corpse of a peasant girl Ramsay had used first. Ramsay, in attempt to hide his true identity, swaps clothes with Reek and tells him to ride for help. Rodrik's men kill him, believing him to be Ramsay. While that is happening, Ramsay covers himself in filth and when Rodrik's men come back, they take Ramsay to be Reek and drag him back to Rodrik.[2] Ramsay continues using this alias until Theon Greyjoy releases him.[5]
A Dance with Dragons
In the Dreadfort, a prisoner is kept by Ramsay. All but Ramsay know this prisoner as Reek, but in truth it is Theon Greyjoy. Eating and being eaten by rats, Theon's mind wanders between realities as Ramsay uses him as a plaything. The lines of identity blur as Theon is tortured and flayed, losing fingers, toes and teeth. As Ramsay's power increases and he becomes Ramsay Bolton, his plans to avenge himself upon Theon succeed. Theon's identity is lost to pain and torture; only "Reek" remains. Eventually "Reek" is released and sent on a mission.[6]
See the Theon Greyjoy article for additional details.
References and Notes
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 46, Bran VI.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 66, Theon VI.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 16, Bran II.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 32, Reek III.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 56, Theon V.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 12, Reek I.