The King Who Knelt (Torrhen Stark) Explained Game of Thrones Lore

Introduction

During Aegon's Conquest of Westeros, Torrhen Stark reigned as King in the North. He anticipated the rise of Aegon Targaryen and aimed to defeat the Dragon Lord before he amassed significant power. In a bid to confront this formidable foe, Torrhen rallied a force of 30,000 fierce Northmen and marched south to challenge Aegon.

As Torrhen's forces made their way south, news reached him of Aegon's devastating attack on Harrenhal and his significant victory at the Field of Fire. In this battle, Aegon, along with his sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, and their three dragons, annihilated the combined armies of House Lannister and House Gardener, totaling 45,000 men.

Upon reaching the banks of the Trident in central Westeros, Torrhen discovered Aegon's army awaiting him, bolstered by an overwhelming force of 45,000 troops and the terrifying presence of dragons. Faced with a daunting choice—whether to engage in battle or retreat—Torrhen found himself outnumbered and outmatched by the dragons.

While some of his bannermen urged him to launch an attack, others recommended a tactical withdrawal. Torrhen's half-brother, Brandon Snow, even proposed a daring strategy to cross the Trident under the cover of night to slay the dragons, believing that arrows crafted from weirwood could prove effective against these beasts.

However, after weighing his options and fearing the potential extinction of House Stark and the destruction of his people, Torrhen Stark made the fateful decision to bend the knee to Aegon Targaryen and swear fealty to him. This moment marked a pivotal shift in the history of Westeros, showing the complexities of allegiance and survival in a time of great turmoil.

Keywords

• Torrhen Stark
• Aegon's Conquest
• King in the North
• Dragons
• Harrenhal
• Field of Fire
• Bend the knee
• Fealty
• Weirwood
• House Stark

FAQ

Who was Torrhen Stark?
Torrhen Stark was the King in the North during Aegon's Conquest of Westeros and a pivotal figure in the early history of the Targaryen rule.

What did Torrhen Stark do during Aegon's Conquest?
Torrhen Stark rallied an army of 30,000 Northmen to confront Aegon Targaryen, but ultimately chose to submit to Aegon after realizing he was outmatched.

Why did Torrhen Stark bend the knee?
Torrhen Stark bent the knee to avoid the destruction of his people and the extinction of his house, recognizing the overwhelming power of Aegon and his dragons.

What significant battles occurred during this time?
Notable battles included the destruction of Harrenhal and the Field of Fire, where Aegon defeated the combined armies of House Lannister and House Gardener.

What was the significance of weirwood arrows?
Brandon Snow believed that arrows made from weirwood could slay the dragons, reflecting the North's connection to ancient magic and their cultural heritage.