Tourney at Ashford Meadow
The tourney at Ashford Meadow[1][2] was a tourney hosted by House Ashford at Ashford Meadow in 209 AC. Lord Ashford staged the tourney to celebrate his daughter's thirteenth name day. His daughter was the queen of love and beauty and would have five champions to defend her honor. All other entrants were the challengers, and if anyone defeated a champion, they would take their place as the new champion. After three days of jousting, the champions would determine if Lord Ashford's daughter retained the title of queen or if another would wear it.[1]
Due to the accidental death of Prince Baelor Targaryen -- the Prince of Dragonstone, son and heir of King Daeron II Targaryen, and Hand of the King -- Ashford was one of the most famous and historically significant tourneys.
Contents
Ashford Tourney
The Joust
The jousting area had five lanes situated north-south, so none of the jousters would have the sun in their eyes. The viewing stand was raised on the eastern side of the lists with an orange canopy to shield the lords and ladies from sun and rain.[1]
The original five champions were:
- Ser Androw Ashford
- Ser Robert Ashford
- Lord Leo Tyrell
- Ser Humfrey Hardyng
- Prince Valarr Targaryen
- Ser Tybolt Lannister defeated Ser Androw Ashford (6 tilts)
- Ser Lyonel Baratheon defeated Ser Robert Ashford (10 tilts)
- Lord Leo Tyrell defeated Lord Damon Lannister (3 tilts)
- Ser Humfrey Hardyng defeated Lord Medgar Tully (2 tilts)
- Prince Valarr Targaryen defeated Ser Abelar Hightower (2 tilts)
- Lord Leo Tyrell defeated Lord Pearse Caron
- Ser Humfrey Hardyng defeated Ser Joseth Mallister
- Prince Valarr Targaryen defeated Lord Gawen Swann (2 tilts)
- Ser Tybolt Lannister defeated Ser Jon Penrose
- Lord Leo Tyrell defeated Ser Robyn Rhysling (4 tilts)
- Ser Humfrey Hardyng defeated Ser Humfrey Beesbury (13 tilts)
- Ser Humfrey Hardyng defeated Prince Aerion Targaryen (by forfeit)
- Prince Valarr Targaryen won seven more times.[1]
Other Attendees
Ser Raymun Fossoway, Ser Steffon Fossoway, Prince Baelor Targaryen, Prince Maekar Targaryen, Ser Grance Morrigen, Ser Duncan the Tall, Prince Aegon Targaryen, Lord Ashford, Ser Manfred Dondarrion, Ser Otho Bracken, and Ser Gunthor Estermont.[1]
In addition, a semi-canonical list of attendees can be found in some editions of the Hedge Knight graphic novel.
The Trial of Seven
An altercation occurred between Ser Duncan the Tall and Prince Aerion Targaryen when the prince assaulted a girl, Tanselle. This resulted in Duncan striking the prince, claiming that he was only following the knight's vows to defend the weak. Aerion demanded a trial of seven to clear his name. Prince Daeron Targaryen also claimed to have been injured by Duncan, so he made a claim as well. The two sides met on Ashford Meadow.[1]
For the Defendant, Ser Duncan the Tall | For the Claimants, Princes Aerion & Daeron Targaryen |
---|---|
Ser Robyn Rhysling | Ser Roland Crakehall |
Ser Humfrey Hardyng (fatally wounded) | Ser Steffon Fossoway |
Ser Lyonel Baratheon | Prince Daeron Targaryen (wounded) |
Ser Duncan the Tall (wounded) | Prince Aerion Targaryen (yielded) |
Prince Baelor Targaryen (fatally wounded) | Prince Maekar Targaryen |
Ser Humfrey Beesbury (killed) | Ser Donnel of Duskendale |
50px Ser Raymun Fossoway | Ser Willem Wylde (wounded) |
Ser Duncan made Princes Aerion and Daeron withdraw their claims, proving his innocence. However, during the fight, Ser Humfrey Beesbury was slain by Ser Donnel and Ser Willem Wylde had to be carried from the field. Prince Baelor died from a blow to his head, likely given by his brother Maekar. Ser Humfrey Hardyng also died afterwards from wounds received in the skirmish.[1]
Quotes
He remembered Tanselle's puppet show, and the wooden dragon that had started all the trouble there at Ashford. The memory made Dunk feel guilty, as it always did. Three good men dead, to save a hedge knight's foot. It made no sense, and never had.[3]
—thoughts of Duncan the Tall