Difference between revisions of "Walder Frey"

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{{See homonyms |Walder Frey (disambiguation)}}
 
{{See homonyms |Walder Frey (disambiguation)}}
  
'''Walder Frey''' is the Lord of [[Twins|the Crossing]] and head of [[House Frey]]. Though past ninety years old and infirm, he still maintains an active hand in the running of his house.{{ref|AGOT|28}}
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'''Walder Frey''' is the Lord of [[Twins|the Crossing]] and head of [[House Frey]]. Though past ninety years old and infirm, he still maintains an active hand in the running of his house.{{ref|AGOT|28}} In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', he is played by [[w:David Bradley (actor)|David Bradley]].<ref name=IMDB/>
  
Walder has become famous for siring many children and surviving many wives. He is currently married to his eighth wife and has over a hundred descendants, base and trueborn. He has had twenty-two trueborn sons and seven trueborn daughters from his marriages, with an unknown number of [[bastard]] sons and daughters. He places a great emphasis on family loyalty, though his descendants jockey ruthlessly for his favor. Many Freys name their sons Walder and daughters Walda in hopes of honoring him. In the [[Game of Thrones|TV series]], he is played by [[w:David Bradley (actor)|David Bradley]].<ref name=IMDB/>
+
Walder has become famous for siring many children and surviving many wives. He is currently married to his eighth wife, [[Joyeuse Erenford]], and has over a hundred descendants, base and trueborn. He has had twenty-two trueborn sons and seven trueborn daughters from his marriages, with an unknown number of [[bastard]] sons and daughters. He places a great emphasis on family loyalty, though his descendants jockey ruthlessly for his favor. Many Freys name their sons Walder and daughters Walda in hopes of honoring him.  
  
 
==Appearance and Character==
 
==Appearance and Character==
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==History==
 
==History==
As a toddler Walder was present at the marriage of his sister.<ref> His name is not mentioned in the ''[[The Mystery Knight]]'' but [http://grrm.livejournal.com/184176.html?thread=11366512#t11366512 Martin indicated that the toddler is Walder].</ref> It is said he caused the marriage when he discovered his sister having intimate relations with a servant. [[Dunk]] thought that he was an extremely annoying child, and was sorely tempted to throw him down a well.<ref>''[[The Mystery Knight]]''</ref> 
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As a toddler Walder was present at the marriage of [[Ambrose Butterwell's second wife|his elder sister]] to Lord [[Ambrose Butterwell]] at [[Whitewalls tourney|Whitewalls]].<ref>His name is not mentioned in the ''[[The Mystery Knight]]'' but [[George R. R. Martin]] [http://grrm.livejournal.com/184176.html?thread=11366512#t11366512 indicated] the toddler is Walder.</ref> It is said he caused the marriage when he discovered his sister having intimate relations with a servant. [[Dunk]] thought that he was an extremely annoying child, and was sorely tempted to throw him down a well.{{ref|TMK}}
 
   
 
   
During [[Robert's Rebellion]], Walder delayed arriving at the [[Battle of the Trident]] until the rebels had already won. For this his [[Lord Paramount of the Trident|liege lord]], [[Hoster Tully]], called him "the Late Lord Frey."{{Ref|AGOT|28|page 253}}{{ref|ASOS|35}}{{ref|AGOT|59|page 566}}
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During [[Robert's Rebellion]], Walder and his levies arrived at the [[Battle of the Trident]] after the rebels had already won. For this [[Hoster Tully]], the [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]], calls his bannerman "the Late Lord Frey."{{Ref|AGOT|28|page 253}}{{ref|ASOS|35}}{{ref|AGOT|59|page 566}}
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Walder Frey The Twins.jpg|thumb|400px|left|Walder Frey at The Twins - by Amok ©]]
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[[File:Walder Frey The Twins.jpg|thumb|400px|Walder Frey at The Twins - by Amok ©]]
During the [[War of the Five Kings]], Walder again delays coming to [[House Tully]]'s summons when Ser [[Edmure Tully|Edmure]] calls his banners in support of [[Robb Stark]]. Aside from skirmishing with Ser [[Addam Marbrand]]'s outriders, the Freys mass their strength within [[the Twins]].{{ref|AGOT|59}} Because the use of the Twins becomes a strategic necessity for Robb's host, Walder is able to negotiate marriage contracts for his children to Robb and [[Arya Stark]]. In addition, two of his grandsons, [[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Little Walder]] and [[Walder Frey (son of Jammos)|Big Walder]], are sent to [[Winterfell]] as wards and one of his sons, [[Olyvar Frey|Olyvar]], is made squire to Robb Stark.{{ref|AGOT|59|pages 568 / 569}}
+
At the start of the [[War of the Five Kings]], Walder is slow in answering [[House Tully]]'s summons when Ser [[Edmure Tully|Edmure]] calls the banners. Aside from skirmishing with Ser [[Addam Marbrand]]'s [[House Lannister|Lannister]] outriders, the [[House Frey|Freys]] mass their strength within the [[Twins]]. Edmure is defeated by Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] at [[battle under the walls of Riverrun|Riverrun]] while Walder gathers his forces.{{ref|AGOT|59}}
 +
 
 +
Because the use of the Twins becomes a strategic necessity for Robb's host, Walder negotiate marriage contracts with [[Catelyn Stark]], with Robb to marry a Frey of his choice and [[Arya Stark]] betrothed to Walder's youngest son, [[Elmar Frey|Elmar]]. In addition, two of Lord Frey's grandsons, [[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Little Walder]] and [[Walder Frey (son of Jammos)|Big Walder]], are sent to [[Winterfell]] as wards and one of his sons, [[Olyvar Frey|Olyvar]], is made squire to Robb.{{ref|AGOT|59|pages 568 / 569}}
  
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
Walder's son and heir, Ser [[Stevron Frey]], dies while fighting bravely for King Robb Stark. Lord [[Roose Bolton]] marries one of Walder's granddaughters, [[Walda Frey (daughter of Merrett)|Walda Frey]]. Walder had promised Roose to pay his daughter's weight in silver for her dowry, so Roose chose the fattest one.{{ref|ASOS|37}}
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Walder's son and heir, Ser [[Stevron Frey]], dies while fighting bravely for Robb Stark, the new [[King in the North]] and [[King of the Trident]]. Lord [[Roose Bolton]] marries one of Walder's granddaughters, [[Walda Frey (daughter of Merrett)|Walda Frey]].{{ref|ACOK|64}} Walder had promised Roose to pay his daughter's weight in silver for her dowry, so Roose chose the fattest one.{{ref|ASOS|37}}
  
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[File:Lord Walder Frey.png|300px|thumb|David Bradley as Lord Walder Frey ([[Game of Thrones|TV series]])]]
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[[File:Lord Walder Frey.png|300px|thumb|David Bradley as Lord Walder Frey (''[[Game of Thrones]]'')]]
Word eventually reaches [[the Twins]] of Robb Stark's marriage to [[Jeyne Westerling]] instead of a Frey as promised. Ser [[Ryman Frey]], Lord Walder's new heir, withdraws House Frey's support from the [[King in the North]] and [[King of the Trident|of the Trident]] in outrage.{{ref|asos|14}}
+
Word eventually reaches the [[Twins]] of Robb Stark's marriage to [[Jeyne Westerling]] instead of a Frey as promised. Ser [[Ryman Frey]], Lord Walder's new heir, withdraws House Frey's support from the king in outrage.{{ref|asos|14}}
 +
 
 +
Walder sends his son [[Lothar Frey|Lothar]] to [[Riverrun]] to negotiate a rapprochement. Robb and many of his key bannermen return to the Twins under [[guest right]] to make amends and marry Lord [[Edmure Tully]] to Walder's daughter, [[Roslin Frey|Roslin]]. During the wedding feast, however, Frey and [[House Bolton|Bolton]] men ambush Robb and his entire host, slaughtering King Robb, [[Catelyn Stark]], many of their bannermen, and a significant portion of the northern army.{{ref|ASOS|51}} This betrayal becomes known as the [[Red Wedding]].
  
Walder secretly colludes with Lords [[Tywin Lannister]] and Roose Bolton to betray the Starks and Tullys. Through [[Lothar Frey]], Walder lures Robb and many of his key bannermen back to the Twins under the guise of making amends and marrying [[Edmure Tully]] to his daughter [[Roslin Frey|Roslin]]. During the wedding feast, Walder's men ambush Robb and his entire host (despite the fact they were under the protection of [[guest right]]), slaughtering Robb, [[Catelyn Tully]], many of their bannermen, and a significant portion of the northern army.{{ref|ASOS|51}} This betrayal becomes known as the [[Red Wedding]]. Walder then openly swears loyalty to [[House Lannister]], his second son ([[Emmon Frey]]) receiving Riverrun and its lands as reward.{{ref|ASOS|72}}
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Walder had secretly colluded with Lords [[Tywin Lannister]] and Roose Bolton to betray the Starks and Tullys. Walder swears loyalty to [[House Lannister]], with his second son [[Emmon Frey|Emmon]] receiving Riverrun and its lands as reward.{{ref|ASOS|72}}  
  
According to one of his sons, [[Merrett Frey|Merrett]], Lord Walder is not long for the world and when he dies it will be every other Frey for himself. Walder Frey, though a tyrant, believes in taking care of his own, even the ones who disappoint him. When [[Stevron Frey]] was heir it was different, as he was raised by Walder Frey to believe that blood was blood, but his sons and grandsons, now the new heirs, do not feel the same way. Merrett and [[Petyr Frey]] are hanged by outlaws, the [[Brotherhood Without Banners]], in the Riverlands.{{ref|ASOS|Epilogue}}
+
According to one of his sons, [[Merrett Frey|Merrett]], Lord Walder is not long for the world and when he dies it will be every other Frey for himself. Walder, though a tyrant, believes in taking care of his own, even the ones who disappoint him. When [[Stevron Frey|Stevron]] was heir it was different, as he was raised by Walder to believe that blood was blood, but his sons and grandsons, now the new heirs, do not feel the same way. Merrett and [[Petyr Frey]] are hanged by outlaws, the [[brotherhood without banners]], in the riverlands.{{ref|ASOS|Epilogue}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
The [[Elder Brother]] at the [[Quiet Isle]] says that Lord Frey is hunting outlaws from the Twins. Lord Frey sends a raven to [[King's Landing]] putting forth several claims to land. This is discussed in the [[small council]] until [[Qyburn]] points out many of the population of the city feel the Red Wedding was a great crime by all the laws of gods and men. Qyburn then states that it would not be good if the crown is believed to share in Walder Frey's crime and it would be useful if someone is punished for the Red Wedding. [[Pycelle]] says Lord Walder will never kill his own, but [[Cersei Lannister]] states that whoever inherits the Twins after Walder Frey will not be as squeamish, and what better way to rid himself of inconvenient relatives than by naming them the culprits and executing them?
+
[[Daven Lannister]] is promised to a Frey according to an agreement negotiated by Lord Tywin before his death.{{ref|AFFC|33}} [[Lancel Lannister]] is betrothed to Walder's granddaughter, [[Amerei Frey|Amerei]].{{ref|AFFC|7}}
  
While returning to [[the Twins]] from [[Second Siege of Riverrun|Riverrun]], Walder's new heir, [[Ryman Frey|Ryman]], is hanged, presumably by the Brotherhood Without Banners.{{ref|AFFC|44}}
+
Walder sends a [[raven]] to [[King's Landing]] putting forth several claims to land. Because the Red Wedding is reviled by [[sparrows]], the [[small council]] of Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] suggests that Walder's eventual successor could name the culprits and thereby rid himself of rivals.{{ref|AFFC|17}}
  
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
+
The [[Elder Brother]] at the [[Quiet Isle]] says that Lord Frey is hunting outlaws from the Twins.{{ref|AFFC|31}}
Walder sends at least 1,400 Frey soldiers under the command of two sons, Ser [[Aenys Frey|Aenys]] and Ser [[Hosteen Frey|Hosteen]], with Lord Bolton when the new [[Warden of the North]] returns to [[the North]].{{ref|ADWD|20}} Two of Walder's sons, [[Jared Frey|Jared]] and [[Symond Frey|Symond]], as well as a grandson, [[Rhaegar Frey|Rhaegar]], [[Frey Pies/Theories|vanish]] after leaving [[White Harbor]]. Another grandson, [[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Little Walder]], is found slain in [[Winterfell]].{{ref|ADWD|51}}
 
  
===''The Winds of Winter''===
+
While returning to the [[Twins]] from the [[siege of Riverrun]], Walder's new heir, [[Ryman Frey|Ryman]], is hanged, presumably by the brotherhood without banners. Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] tasks [[Walder Rivers]] with informing Lord Walder that King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]] requires all captives taken by the Freys during the Red Wedding.{{ref|AFFC|44}}
Aenys Frey dies outside Winterfell by riding into a trap set by [[Mors Umber]].<ref>[[The Winds of Winter]], [http://georgerrmartin.com/if-sample.html Sample chapter], Theon. Made available on GRRM's website as of December 28, 2011</ref>
 
  
==Quotes by Walder Frey==
+
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 +
Walder agrees to a marriage pact with Lord [[Wyman Manderly]], betrothing two of Walder's grandsons, [[Rhaegar Frey|Rhaegar]] and [[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Little Walder]], to Wyman's granddaughters, [[Wynafryd Manderly|Wynafryd]] and [[Wylla Manderly|Wylla]].{{ref|ADWD|9}}{{ref|ADWD|19}}
  
{{Quote|Now my bastards presume to teach me courtesy. I’ll speak any way I like, damn you. I’ve had three kings to guest in my life, and queens as well, do you think I require lessons from the likes of you, [[Ryger Rivers|Ryger]]? Your mother was milking goats the first time I gave her my seed.{{Ref|aGoT|59}}}}
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Walder sends at least 1,400 Frey soldiers under the command of two sons, Ser [[Aenys Frey|Aenys]] and Ser [[Hosteen Frey|Hosteen]], with Lord Bolton when the new [[Warden of the North]] returns to the [[north]].{{ref|ADWD|20}} Rhaegar and two of Walder's sons, [[Jared Frey|Jared]] and [[Symond Frey|Symond]], [[Frey Pies/Theories|vanish]] after leaving [[White Harbor]]. Little Walder, is found slain in [[Winterfell]].{{ref|ADWD|51}}
- Walder, to [[Ryger Rivers]]
 
  
 +
===''The Winds of Winter''===
 +
Aenys dies outside Winterfell by riding into a trap set by [[Mors Umber]].<ref>[[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)]]</ref>
  
{{Quote|'''Catelyn:''' Where I might have expected to find you, my lord. You are still my father’s bannerman, are you not?
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==Quotes by Walder==
'''Walder Frey:''' Heh, I called my swords, yes I did, here they are, you saw them on the walls. It was my intent to march as soon as all my strength was assembled. Well, to send my sons. I am well past marching myself, Lady Catelyn. Tell her, Jared. Tell her that was my intent.
 
  
'''Jared Frey:''' It was, my lady, on my honor.
+
{{Quote|Now my bastards presume to teach me courtesy. I'll speak any way I like, damn you. I've had three kings to guest in my life, and queens as well, do you think I require lessons from the likes of you, Ryger? Your mother was milking goats the first time I gave her my seed.{{Ref|aGoT|59}}}}
 +
- Walder to [[Ryger Rivers]]
  
'''Walder Frey:''' Is it my fault that [[Edmure Tully|your fool brother]] lost his battle before we could march? I am told the [[Jaime Lannister|Kingslayer]] went through him like an axe through ripe cheese. Why should my boys hurry south to die? All those who did go south are running north again.{{Ref|aGoT|59}}}}
 
- Walder, to [[Catelyn Tully]]
 
  
 +
{{Quote|'''Catelyn:''' Where I might have expected to find you, my lord. You are still [[Hoster Tully|my father's]] bannerman, are you not?
 +
'''Walder:''' Heh, I called my swords, yes I did, here they are, you saw them on the walls. It was my intent to march as soon as all my strength was assembled. Well, to send my sons. I am well past marching myself, Lady Catelyn. Tell her, Jared. Tell her that was my intent.<br>
 +
'''Jared:''' It was, my lady, on my honor.<br>
 +
'''Walder:''' Is it my fault that [[Edmure Tully|your fool brother]] lost [[Battle under the walls of Riverrun|his battle]] before we could march? I am told the [[Kingslayer]] went through him like an axe through ripe cheese. Why should my boys hurry south to die? All those who did go south are running north again.{{Ref|aGoT|59}}}}
 +
- [[Catelyn Stark]], Walder, and [[Jared Frey]]
  
  
{{Quote|'''Catelyn:''' If you were strong enough to climb your own battlements, Lord Frey, you would see that my son has twenty thousand men outside your walls.
+
{{Quote|'''Catelyn:''' If you were strong enough to climb your own battlements, Lord Frey, you would see that my son has twenty thousand men outside your walls.<br>
'''Walder Frey:''' They’ll be twenty thousand fresh corpses when Lord [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin]] gets here, don’t you try and frighten me, my lady. [[Eddard Stark|Your husband]]’s in some traitor’s cell under the Red Keep, [[Hoster Tully|your father]]’s sick, might be dying, and [[Jaime Lannister]]’s got your brother in chains. What do you have that I should fear? That [[Robb Stark|son of yours]]? I’ll match you son for son, and I’ll still have eighteen when yours are all dead. {{Ref|aGoT|59}}}}
+
'''Walder:''' They'll be twenty thousand fresh corpses when Lord [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin]] gets here, don't you try and frighten me, my lady. [[Eddard Stark|Your husband]]'s in some traitor's cell under the [[Red Keep]], [[Hoster Tully|your father]]'s sick, might be dying, and [[Jaime Lannister]]'s got [[Edmure Tully|your brother]] in chains. What do you have that I should fear? That [[Robb Stark|son of yours]]? I'll match you son for son, and I'll still have eighteen when yours are all dead.{{Ref|aGoT|59}}}}
- Walder Frey to [[Catelyn Tully]]
+
- [[Catelyn Stark]] and Walder
  
  
{{Quote|Do you think I can’t tell Lord [[Stannis]] from Lord Tywin? They’re both bungholes who think they’re too noble to shit, but never mind about that, I know the difference.{{Ref|aGoT|59}}}}
+
{{Quote|Do you think I can't tell Lord [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]] from Lord [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin]]? They're both bungholes who think they're too noble to shit, but never mind about that, I know the difference.{{Ref|aGoT|59}}}}
- Walder Frey to [[Catelyn Tully]]
+
- Walder to [[Catelyn Stark]]
  
  
{{Quote|You will forgive me if I do not kneel, I know. My legs no longer work as they did, though that which hangs between’em serves well enough, heh.{{Ref|aSoS|49}}}}
+
{{Quote|'''Walder''': You will forgive me if I do not kneel, I know. My legs no longer work as they did, though that which hangs between 'em serves well enough, heh. Some would say it's a poor king who crowns himself with bronze, Your Grace.<br>
- Walder Frey to [[Robb Stark]]
+
'''Robb Stark:''' Bronze and iron are stronger than gold and silver. The old [[King in the North|Kings of Winter]] wore such a sword-crown.<br>
 +
'''Walder:''' Small good it did them when [[War of Conquest|the dragons came]]. Heh.
 +
{{Ref|aSoS|49}}}}
 +
- Walder and [[Robb Stark]]
  
  
 +
{{Quote|Heh, the [[King in the North]] arises. Seems we killed some of your men, Your Grace. Oh, but I'll make you an apology, that will mend them all again, heh.{{Ref|aSoS|51}}}}
 +
- Walder to [[Robb Stark]]
  
{{Quote|'''Walder Frey:''' Some would say it’s a poor king who crowns himself with bronze, Your Grace.
 
'''Robb Stark:''' Bronze and iron are stronger than gold and silver, the old [[King in the North|Kings of Winter]] wore such a sword-crown.
 
  
'''Walder Frey:''' Small good it did them when [[Aegon I Targaryen|the dragons]] came. Heh.
+
==Quotes about Walder==
{{Ref|aSoS|49}}}}
+
{{Quote|[[Hoster Tully|Her father]] had once said of Walder Frey that he was the only lord in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] who could field an army out of his breeches.{{Ref|AGOT|59}}}} - thoughts of [[Catelyn Stark]]
- Walder Frey to [[Robb Stark]]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
{{Quote|Heh, the King in the North arises. Seems we killed some of your men, Your Grace. Oh, but I’ll make you an apology, that will mend them all again, heh.{{Ref|aSoS|51}}}}
 
- Walder Frey to [[Robb Stark]]
 
  
  
==Quotes about Walder Frey==
+
{{Quote|A few barbed words and some unseemly gloating. From him that's courtesy. I expected the old weasel to piss in our wine and make us praise the vintage.{{Ref|aSoS|49}}}} - [[Edmure Tully]] to [[Catelyn Stark]]
{{Quote|[[Hoster Tully|Her father]] had once said of Walder Frey that he was the only lord in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] who could field an army out of his breeches.{{Ref|AGOT|59}}}} - [[Catelyn Tully]]
 
  
  
{{Quote|A few barbed words and some unseemly gloating. From him that's courtesy. I expected the old weasel to piss in our wine and make us praise the vintage.{{Ref|aSoS|49}}}} - [[Edmure Tully]]
+
{{Quote|'''Tyrion''': So much for [[guest right]].<br>
 +
'''Tywin''': The blood is on Walder Frey's hands, not mine.<br>
 +
'''Tyrion''': Walder Frey is a peevish old man who lives to fondle his young wife and brood over all the slights he's suffered. I have no doubt he hatched [[Red Wedding|this ugly chicken]], but he would never have dared such a thing without a promise of protection.{{Ref|aSoS|53}}}} - [[Tyrion Lannister]] and [[Tywin Lannister]]
  
  
{{Quote|Walder Frey is a peevish old man who lives to fondle his young wife and brood over all the slights he's suffered.{{Ref|aSoS|53}}}} - [[Tyrion Lannister]]
+
{{quote|Lord Walder must soon face [[Father (the Seven)|the Father's]] judgment. He is very old. Let the [[sparrows]] spit upon his memory. It has nought to do with us.{{ref|AFFC|17}}}} - [[Cersei Lannister]] to the [[small council]]
  
 
==Family==
 
==Family==
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[[Category:House Frey]]
 
[[Category:House Frey]]
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[[Category:Characters from the Riverlands|Frey, Walder]]
 
[[Category:Nobles|Frey, Walder]]
 
[[Category:Nobles|Frey, Walder]]
[[Category:Characters from the Riverlands|Frey, Walder]]
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[[Category:Rebels of Robert's Rebellion|Frey, Walder]]
  
 
[[es:Walder Frey]]
 
[[es:Walder Frey]]

Revision as of 15:22, 25 August 2015

House Frey.png
Walder Frey
House Frey.png
Old Walder Frey.jpg

Aliases
  • The Late Lord Frey
  • Old Frey
Title Lord of the Crossing
Allegiance House Frey
Culture Rivermen
Born In 208 AC[1]
Spouses
Books

Played by David Bradley[2]
TV series Season 1 | Season 3

Walder Frey is the Lord of the Crossing and head of House Frey. Though past ninety years old and infirm, he still maintains an active hand in the running of his house.[3] In the television adaptation Game of Thrones, he is played by David Bradley.[2]

Walder has become famous for siring many children and surviving many wives. He is currently married to his eighth wife, Joyeuse Erenford, and has over a hundred descendants, base and trueborn. He has had twenty-two trueborn sons and seven trueborn daughters from his marriages, with an unknown number of bastard sons and daughters. He places a great emphasis on family loyalty, though his descendants jockey ruthlessly for his favor. Many Freys name their sons Walder and daughters Walda in hopes of honoring him.

Appearance and Character

See also: Images of Walder Frey

Walder is brittle, suffers from gout and is confined to a chair, although he brags that he still can produce progeny.[4] Age has made him bald and toothless and his skin hangs loose. Walder has passed his weasely appearance and weak chin down to many of his descendants. He is a vain, prickly, ambitious, and untrustworthy man.[4]

History

As a toddler Walder was present at the marriage of his elder sister to Lord Ambrose Butterwell at Whitewalls.[5] It is said he caused the marriage when he discovered his sister having intimate relations with a servant. Dunk thought that he was an extremely annoying child, and was sorely tempted to throw him down a well.[6]

During Robert's Rebellion, Walder and his levies arrived at the Battle of the Trident after the rebels had already won. For this Hoster Tully, the Lord Paramount of the Trident, calls his bannerman "the Late Lord Frey."[7][8][9]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Walder Frey at The Twins - by Amok ©

At the start of the War of the Five Kings, Walder is slow in answering House Tully's summons when Ser Edmure calls the banners. Aside from skirmishing with Ser Addam Marbrand's Lannister outriders, the Freys mass their strength within the Twins. Edmure is defeated by Ser Jaime Lannister at Riverrun while Walder gathers his forces.[10]

Because the use of the Twins becomes a strategic necessity for Robb's host, Walder negotiate marriage contracts with Catelyn Stark, with Robb to marry a Frey of his choice and Arya Stark betrothed to Walder's youngest son, Elmar. In addition, two of Lord Frey's grandsons, Little Walder and Big Walder, are sent to Winterfell as wards and one of his sons, Olyvar, is made squire to Robb.[11]

A Clash of Kings

Walder's son and heir, Ser Stevron Frey, dies while fighting bravely for Robb Stark, the new King in the North and King of the Trident. Lord Roose Bolton marries one of Walder's granddaughters, Walda Frey.[12] Walder had promised Roose to pay his daughter's weight in silver for her dowry, so Roose chose the fattest one.[13]

A Storm of Swords

David Bradley as Lord Walder Frey (Game of Thrones)

Word eventually reaches the Twins of Robb Stark's marriage to Jeyne Westerling instead of a Frey as promised. Ser Ryman Frey, Lord Walder's new heir, withdraws House Frey's support from the king in outrage.[14]

Walder sends his son Lothar to Riverrun to negotiate a rapprochement. Robb and many of his key bannermen return to the Twins under guest right to make amends and marry Lord Edmure Tully to Walder's daughter, Roslin. During the wedding feast, however, Frey and Bolton men ambush Robb and his entire host, slaughtering King Robb, Catelyn Stark, many of their bannermen, and a significant portion of the northern army.[15] This betrayal becomes known as the Red Wedding.

Walder had secretly colluded with Lords Tywin Lannister and Roose Bolton to betray the Starks and Tullys. Walder swears loyalty to House Lannister, with his second son Emmon receiving Riverrun and its lands as reward.[16]

According to one of his sons, Merrett, Lord Walder is not long for the world and when he dies it will be every other Frey for himself. Walder, though a tyrant, believes in taking care of his own, even the ones who disappoint him. When Stevron was heir it was different, as he was raised by Walder to believe that blood was blood, but his sons and grandsons, now the new heirs, do not feel the same way. Merrett and Petyr Frey are hanged by outlaws, the brotherhood without banners, in the riverlands.[17]

A Feast for Crows

Daven Lannister is promised to a Frey according to an agreement negotiated by Lord Tywin before his death.[18] Lancel Lannister is betrothed to Walder's granddaughter, Amerei.[19]

Walder sends a raven to King's Landing putting forth several claims to land. Because the Red Wedding is reviled by sparrows, the small council of Queen Regent Cersei Lannister suggests that Walder's eventual successor could name the culprits and thereby rid himself of rivals.[20]

The Elder Brother at the Quiet Isle says that Lord Frey is hunting outlaws from the Twins.[21]

While returning to the Twins from the siege of Riverrun, Walder's new heir, Ryman, is hanged, presumably by the brotherhood without banners. Ser Jaime Lannister tasks Walder Rivers with informing Lord Walder that King Tommen I Baratheon requires all captives taken by the Freys during the Red Wedding.[22]

A Dance with Dragons

Walder agrees to a marriage pact with Lord Wyman Manderly, betrothing two of Walder's grandsons, Rhaegar and Little Walder, to Wyman's granddaughters, Wynafryd and Wylla.[23][24]

Walder sends at least 1,400 Frey soldiers under the command of two sons, Ser Aenys and Ser Hosteen, with Lord Bolton when the new Warden of the North returns to the north.[25] Rhaegar and two of Walder's sons, Jared and Symond, vanish after leaving White Harbor. Little Walder, is found slain in Winterfell.[26]

The Winds of Winter

Aenys dies outside Winterfell by riding into a trap set by Mors Umber.[27]

Quotes by Walder

Now my bastards presume to teach me courtesy. I'll speak any way I like, damn you. I've had three kings to guest in my life, and queens as well, do you think I require lessons from the likes of you, Ryger? Your mother was milking goats the first time I gave her my seed.[10]

- Walder to Ryger Rivers


Catelyn: Where I might have expected to find you, my lord. You are still my father's bannerman, are you not?

Walder: Heh, I called my swords, yes I did, here they are, you saw them on the walls. It was my intent to march as soon as all my strength was assembled. Well, to send my sons. I am well past marching myself, Lady Catelyn. Tell her, Jared. Tell her that was my intent.
Jared: It was, my lady, on my honor.

Walder: Is it my fault that your fool brother lost his battle before we could march? I am told the Kingslayer went through him like an axe through ripe cheese. Why should my boys hurry south to die? All those who did go south are running north again.[10]

- Catelyn Stark, Walder, and Jared Frey


Catelyn: If you were strong enough to climb your own battlements, Lord Frey, you would see that my son has twenty thousand men outside your walls.
Walder: They'll be twenty thousand fresh corpses when Lord Tywin gets here, don't you try and frighten me, my lady. Your husband's in some traitor's cell under the Red Keep, your father's sick, might be dying, and Jaime Lannister's got your brother in chains. What do you have that I should fear? That son of yours? I'll match you son for son, and I'll still have eighteen when yours are all dead.[10]

- Catelyn Stark and Walder


Do you think I can't tell Lord Stannis from Lord Tywin? They're both bungholes who think they're too noble to shit, but never mind about that, I know the difference.[10]

- Walder to Catelyn Stark


Walder: You will forgive me if I do not kneel, I know. My legs no longer work as they did, though that which hangs between 'em serves well enough, heh. Some would say it's a poor king who crowns himself with bronze, Your Grace.

Robb Stark: Bronze and iron are stronger than gold and silver. The old Kings of Winter wore such a sword-crown.
Walder: Small good it did them when the dragons came. Heh.

[4]

- Walder and Robb Stark


Heh, the King in the North arises. Seems we killed some of your men, Your Grace. Oh, but I'll make you an apology, that will mend them all again, heh.[15]

- Walder to Robb Stark


Quotes about Walder

Her father had once said of Walder Frey that he was the only lord in the Seven Kingdoms who could field an army out of his breeches.[10]

- thoughts of Catelyn Stark


A few barbed words and some unseemly gloating. From him that's courtesy. I expected the old weasel to piss in our wine and make us praise the vintage.[4]

- Edmure Tully to Catelyn Stark


Tyrion: So much for guest right.

Tywin: The blood is on Walder Frey's hands, not mine.

Tyrion: Walder Frey is a peevish old man who lives to fondle his young wife and brood over all the slights he's suffered. I have no doubt he hatched this ugly chicken, but he would never have dared such a thing without a promise of protection.[28]

- Tyrion Lannister and Tywin Lannister


Lord Walder must soon face the Father's judgment. He is very old. Let the sparrows spit upon his memory. It has nought to do with us.[20]

- Cersei Lannister to the small council

Family

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lord Frey
 
Unknown
wife
 
Franklyn
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Daughters
[Note 1]
 
Unknown
husbands
 
Daughter
 
Ambrose
Butterwell
 
Walder
 
Eight
wives
 
Addam
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
House Frey.svg
 
Notes:
  1. Lord Frey is known to have had at least three daughters, all married.


Descendants

Walder has outlived seven wives, and is currently married to his eighth wife. He has over a hundred descendants, both trueborn and baseborn. He has had twenty-two trueborn sons and seven trueborn daughters from his marriages, with an unknown number of bastard sons and daughters.

With Perra Royce

Descendants of his first son Stevron Frey:

 
 
 
 
Walder
 
Perra
Royce
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corenna
Swann
 
Stevron
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marsella
Waynwood
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jeyne
Lydden
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ryman
 
Unknown
wife
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aegon
"Jinglebell"
 
Maegelle
 
Dafyn
Vance
 
 
 
 
 
Walton
 
Deana
Hardyng
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Edwyn
 
Janyce
Hunter
 
"Black"
Walder
 
Petyr
 
Mylenda
Caron
 
Marianne
Vance
 
Walder
Vance
 
Patrek
Vance
 
Steffon
 
"Fair"
Walda
 
Bryan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Walda
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Perra
 


Descendants of his second son Emmon Frey:

 
Walder
 
Perra
Royce
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emmon
 
Genna
Lannister
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cleos
 
Jeyne
Darry
 
Lyonel
 
Melesa
Crakehall
 
Tion
 
"Red" Walder
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tywin
 
Willem
 
 


Descendants of her third son Aenys Frey and her daughter Perriane Frey:

 
 
 
 
 
 
Walder
 
Perra
Royce
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aenys
 
Tyana
Wylde
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Perriane
 
Leslyn
Haigh
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aegon
"Bloodborn"
 
Rhaegar
 
Jeyne
Beesbury
 
Harys
Haigh
 
Unknown
wife
 
Donnel
Haigh
 
Alyn
Haigh
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robert
 
"White"
Walda
 
Jonos
 
Walder
Haigh
 


With Cyrenna Swann

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Walder
 
Cyrenna
Swann
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jared
 
Alys
Frey
 
Luceon
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tytos
 
Zhoe
Blanetree
 
Garse
Goodbrook
 
Kyra
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Zia
 
Zachery
 
Walder
Goodbrook
 
Jeyne
Goodbrook
 


With Amarei Crakehall

 
Walder
 
Amarei
Crakehall
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hosteen
 
Bellena
Hawick
 
 
 
Lucias
Vypren
 
Lythene
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Symond
 
Betharios
of Braavos
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Arwood
 
Ryella
Royce
 
Damon
Vypren
 
Elyana
Vypren
 
Jon
Wylde
 
Alesander
 
Alyx
 
Bradamar
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ryella
 
Androw
 
Alyn
 
Hostella
 
Rickard
Wylde
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Danwell
 
Wynafrei
Whent
 
 
 
 
 
Merrett
 
Mariya
Darry
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pate of the
Blue Fork
 
Amerei
 
Lancel
Lannister
 
"Fat"
Walda
 
Roose
Bolton
 
Marissa
 
Stillborn
daughter
 
Daughter
 
"Little"
Walder
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Geremy
 
Carolei
Waynwood
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Raymund
 
Beony
Beesbury
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sandor
 
Cynthea
 
Robert
 
Malwyn
 
Sarra
 
Serra
 
Cersei
 
Tywin
 
Jaime
 


With Alyssa Blackwood

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Walder
 
Alyssa
Blackwood
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lothar
 
Leonella
Lefford
 
Jammos
 
Sallei
Paege
 
Whalen
 
Sylwa
Paege
 
Morya
 
Flement
Brax
 
Tyta
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Big" Walder
 
Dickon
 
Mathis
 
Hoster
 
Merianne
 
Robert
Brax
 
Walder
Brax
 
Jon
Brax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tysane
 
Walda
 
Emberlei
 
Leana
 


With Bethany Rosby

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Walder
 
Bethany
Rosby
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Perwyn
 
Benfrey
 
Jyanna
Frey
 
Willamen
 
Olyvar
 
Roslin
 
Edmure
Tully
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Della
 
Osmund
 


With Annara Farring

 
Walder
 
Annara
Farring
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Arwyn
 
Wendel
 
Colmar
 
Waltyr
 
Elmar
 
Shirei
 


Baseborn

 
 
Unknown
woman
 
 
 
Walder
Frey
 
 
 
Various
women
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown
Charlton
 
Walder
Rivers
 
 
 
Melwys
Rivers
 
 
Martyn
Rivers
 
 
Ronel
Rivers
 
 
Other
bastards
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Walda
Rivers
 
Aemon
Rivers
 
Unknown
 
Jeyne
Rivers
 
Ryger
Rivers
 
Mellara
Rivers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Walda
Rivers
 


References and Notes