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- "Or the Amells and their griffins. "Forever Free". As if being constantly surrounded by trees would give anyone the notion of freedom."
- ―Olenna Tyrell
House Amell of Oswin's Peak is a Great House of Westeros. It rules over the Grove, the largest forest in Westeros, from its seat of Oswin's Peak. The head of the house is the Lord Paramount of the Grove and Lord of Oswin's Peak, titles they have held ever since overthrowing House Oswin. The head of House Amell is Lady Bethany Amell, daughter of the late Lord Malcolm Amell.
House Amell's sigil is a silver griffin's head on a blue field. Their house words are "Forever Free".
At the onset of the War of the Five Kings, House Amell remained loyal to King Joffrey Baratheon and House Lannister. The new lord of the family, Easton Amell, had been brought to King's Landing to serve as an advisor on the small council on the invitation of his bannerman, Eyron Morvayn. Once there, Easton became embroiled in a conspiracy to oust him as lord of Oswin's Peak by his brother, Ellis Amell and Lord Eyron himself. Cersei had intended to install Ellis as head of House Amell and use him to gain access to the Grove. She placed Easton under house arrest and captured his sister Bethany, using her as leverage to secure Easton's loyalty.
After Daenerys Targaryen's invasion of the Seven Kingdoms, Easton escaped captivity and freed Bethany. When forced to submit to Daenerys, he refused. He was burnt alive on her orders and Bethany was again placed in captivity. After Jon Snow killed Daenerys, Bethany was freed and made Lady of Oswin's Peak during the Great Council of 305 AC.
History[]
Background[]
House Amell is one of the Great Houses of Westeros. Their lands are to the west of the continent. Their seat is Oswin's Peak, a castle located to the far west. They rule over the Grove from the castle and the head of the house is the Lord of Oswin's Peak.
House Amell originally began as a lesser noble house under House Oswin, who ruled as Woodland Kings up until House Hoare conquered their lands and exterminated their bloodline The Amells were founded by Amell Oswin, a lesser cousin from the Oswins' main branch, who is believed to have aided the Hoares in their conquest of the Grove in exchange for lordship over Oswin's Peak. The Griffin King, one of the last Mountain Kings, might have been born an Amell.
House Amell rose to prominence during the Wars of Conquest. Allied with House Tully to support the Targaryens and overthrow the Hoares, Lord Gamlen Amell joined with Lord Edmyn Tully as they rebelled against the King of the Isles and the Rivers, Harren the Black. Just as Edmyn Tully's Riverlords followed him, so did Lord Gamlen's bannermen join him. When Aegon Targaryen established his rule from the Iron Throne, he split Harren's kingdom in three. Giving the Iron Islands to House Greyjoy, the Riverlands to House Tully, and the Grove to House Amell.
House Amell supported the Blackfyres during the War of the Ninepenny Kings. Although Lord Ciaran Amell declared support for King Maelys Blackfyre, he was opposed by his nephew, Malcolm Amell. Malcolm contested the lordship of Oswin's Peak, and the two Amells battled during the conflict. Malcolm famously killed his uncle in battle, cutting off his sword arm, causing Lord Ciaran to lose his footing and fall to his death. After the war, Malcolm became the head of his House and married Alessa Tully, Lord Hoster Tully's younger sister, with whom he would have three children; Easton, Jason, Ellis and Bethany Amell.
House Amell owns a Valyrian steel longsword known as Woodsbane.
Game of Thrones: Season 1[]
While the small council discusses how to fund the forthcoming tournament celebrating Eddard Stark's appointment as Hand of the King, Eyron Morvayn proposes borrowing money from his liege lords of House Amell. Varys, the Master of Whisperers, says that this would not be possible, since Lord Malcolm Amell has been using his treasury to fund the wedding of his daughter Bethany.
House Amell's banner is seen during the Tourney of the Hand, next to that of House Tully.[1]
Game of Thrones: Season 2[]
The small council receives word that Lord Malcolm has died. To their surprise, his second son and heir, Ellis Amell, is passed over in favor of his youngest son Easton. Cersei notes that her father Tywin intended to manipulate the weakling Ellis to exploit the Grove's resources for the war effort. Tyrion comments that with his fiercer and smarter younger brother at the helm, that prospect would be quite unlikely.[2]
Robb Stark sends envoys to treat with the new Lord Easton at Oswin's Peak, hoping to convince him to join his war against the Lannisters. Catelyn Stark notes that Robb and Easton are first cousins once removed through Catelyn's aunt, Alessa, and that Easton's father Malcolm has always been forthcoming and judicious with the Starks and Tullys. Despite this, Robb receives word that Oswin's Peak would not send soldiers to fight for him - despite their relations. Stannis Baratheon does the same, but Easton does not even bother sending a reply back.[3]
Game of Thrones: Season 3[]
In order to bolster the Crown's finances, Tyrion proposes bringing the Amells closer to the Iron Throne. Cersei is against the idea, noting the fact that the Amells have been bitter enemies of the Lannisters of centuries but also bringing up the fact that they are related by blood to the Tullys and Robb Stark. Tywin agrees with Tyrion and instructs Mace Tyrell to send a raven to Oswin's Peak, inviting Lord Easton to sit at the small council as an offer of clemency. Cersei reminds Tywin of the late Lord Malcolm's hatred for him after what happened to Elia Martell, though Tywin insists that Easton is a more reasonable and pragmatic man than his idealistic father.[4]
Game of Thrones: Season 4[]
Easton arrives in King's Landing ahead of the Dornish delegation from House Martell, who were also invited by Tywin to the small council. Easton and Oberyn Martell get along well, both having ample reasons to distrust the Lannisters. Tywin is wary of Easton's growing friendship with Oberyn, though assures Tyrion that he intends to give the Amells sizeable gifts in return for their loyalty to the Crown, hoping to cement an alliance with Oswin's Peak to negate the Tyrells's growing influence.[5]
Game of Thrones: Season 5[]
After Tywin's death, Easton demands Cersei to give his House what Tywin had promised: exclusive rights to a Lannister gold mine near the border with the Westerlands. Cersei vaguely promises she will honor Tywin's promise, but she concocts plans of her unknown. Unknown to Easton, Cersei and Eyron Morvayn have devised a plan to undermine Easton and gain access to the Grove's vast resources and strategic holdfasts, even recruiting Easton's disgruntled older brother Ellis.[6]
Game of Thrones: Season 6[]
Ellis arrives at King's Landing on the invitation of Qyburn, the new Master of Whisperers. Once arriving, he is almost immediately refused by Kevan Lannister, who suspects he was sent on Cersei's behalf. However, not daring to insult the Amells, Kevan offers Ellis to stay at a manse not far from the Red Keep, which was once owned by his grandfather Elston Amell, who served as Hand of the King to Aegon V Targaryen. Meanwhile, Ellis continues to coordinate with Eyron to plot Easton's demise.[7]
Game of Thrones: Season 7[]
Easton is taken prisoner by the Lannisters after Cersei assumes control of the Iron Throne. To strongarm him into compliance, Cersei takes his sister Bethany captive. Ellis protests the abduction, insisting that it wasn't part of the plan. Instead, Cersei has Ellis executed and Easton thrown in the Black Cells.[8]
Game of Thrones: Season 8[]
After Daenerys Targaryen razes King's Landing, she has Easton rescued from the Black Cells on the condition that he swears loyalty to her. Easton refuses, citing that his own father would not have stood against the bloodshed that she committed. Tyrion attempts to convince Daenerys to spare Easton's life, but she ignores him. Instead, Daenerys has Easton burnt alive and Bethany taken prisoner by Grey Worm. After Daenerys is killed by Jon Snow, the Great Council of 305 AC names Bethany the new Lady of Oswin's Peak, restoring House Amell.[9]
Military strength[]
The strength in the Amell military lay in its archers, who were considered to be the most gifted marksmen in the Seven Kingdoms. Amell soldiers were also excellent trackers, well-suited to fight on rough terrain due to the Grove's almost unnavigable environment. As a Great House, the Amells possess a considerable fighting force. They can levy between fifteen thousand and eighteen thousand spearmen. However, during the duration of the War of the Five Kings, the Amells never had the chance to involve themselves in the conflict. Therefore, it is unknown just how effective their soldiers could be.
Amell soldiers mainly dressed in cured leather, which made them considerably more mobile and lightweight than other forces. However, some infantrymen were also known to wear chainmail. Amell bows were considered exemplary, made by excellent craftsmen. They were very durable and easily used in battle. Most infantrymen carried spears in battle. Knights sworn to House Amell wore metal plated armor, much like other Westerosi knights, and wielded longswords.
Relationships[]
Members[]
- Lord {Elston Amell}, Lord of Oswin's Peak, Lord Paramount of the Grove and Hand of the King to Aegon V Targaryen.
- Lady {Monica}, his widow of House Arryn.
- {Ulthor Amell}, their firstborn son and heir. Killed by Ser Tion Lannister during a tourney at Lannisport.
- Lord {Malcolm Amell}, their second born son. Lord of Oswin's Peak and Lord Paramount of the Grove. The former head of the family.
- Lady {Alessa}, his wife of House Tully.
- Ser {Jason Amell}, their firstborn son and heir. Died under mysterious circumstances.
- {Ellis Amell}, their second born son. Beheaded on the orders of Queen Cersei I Lannister.
- Lord {Easton Amell}, their third born son and heir. Lord of Oswin's Peak and Lord Paramount of the Grove. The former head of the family. Burnt alive on the orders of Queen Daenerys I Targaryen.
- Lady Bethany Amell, their firstborn daughter. Lady of Oswin's Peak and Lady Paramount of the Grove. The current head of the family.
- Lady {Alessa}, his wife of House Tully.
- Lady {Monica}, his widow of House Arryn.
Historical members[]
- Lord {Amell Oswin}, a third son of King Sylas Oswin, founder of House Amell.
- Lord {Gamlen Amell}, the first Lord Paramount of the Grove. Bent the knee to Aegon the Conqueror after the death of his previous king, Harren Hoare.
- Lord {Gareth Amell}, Lord of Oswin's Peak during the reign of King Viserys I Targaryen.
- Lord {Arys Amell}, Lord of Oswin's Peak during the Dance of the Dragons.
Sworn to House Amell[]
- House Bailey of Hammerhand
- House Byre of White Haven
- House Cumberland of Moonwood
- House Elwood of Castle Elwood
- House Felman of Felman Hall
- House Lynch of Hangman's Rest
- House Monford of Red Rock
- House Morvayn of Fort Tawney
- House Stanway of Blackham
Vassals and allies[]
- Lord Hobert Cumberland, Lord of Moonwood
- Lord Eyron Morvayn, Lord of Fort Tawney and member of the small council
Family tree[]
 Amell Deceased |  Arryn  Deceased | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Tully  Deceased |  Amell Deceased | Amell Deceased | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amell Deceased |  Amell Deceased |  Amell Deceased |  Amell | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In the books[]
In the A Song of Ice and Fire books, House Amell is the ruling Great House of the Grove, a vast forest almost as large as the Riverlands. The Amells are a powerful family, well-noted for their archers and hunters. Most of the Amell economy comes from the wood, pelt, fur and meat trade. Their seat, Oswin's Peak, is built on the Grove's highest hill near the coast. Their castle is taller than it is wide, consisting of a central great tower with smaller towers connected to it.
The Amells were originally a cadet branch of House Oswin, who ruled the Grove as Woodland Kings during the Age of Heroes. The Grove was once filled with weirwood trees, which made it a religious and cultural center for the First Men. After the Andal Invasion, the Oswins felled almost every weirwood tree. About a century before the War of Conquest, the Grove was invaded by ironborn conquerors led by House Hoare, who drove the Oswins to extinction. According to legend, they were aided by a lord of House Amell, who exploited the invasion to install himself as Lord of Oswin's Peak.
The Amells remained faithful bannermen of the Hoares during their occupation. During their occupation of the Grove, the ironborn felled many trees in order to construct and greatly expand their fleets. The Amells' loyalty was rewarded with a significant war fleet of their own, which was still in use well into the War of the Five Kings. However, strains between the Hoares and the Amells began to appear in the years preceding the War of Conquest. Allegedly, Harren Hoare was once hosted by Lord Gamlen Amell at Oswin's Peak in the concluding years of Harrenhal's construction. There, his drunk bannermen abducted and raped Lord Gamlen's daughters, some say at the encouraging of Harren. Whatever the case, Harren did not care to prevent the assault, and instead as a gesture of 'regret', suggested to Lord Gamlen that his daughters be made rock wives to their rapists (as opposed to salt wives, indicating them to be superior to common 'whores'). Gamlen was infuriated, but knew he could not act against the Hoares in retaliation. When Aegon I Targaryen landed in Westeros, Gamlen betrayed the Hoares and allied with Lord Edmyn Tully to oust their ironborn occupiers.
Harren and his family were burnt alive in Harrenhal. While the ironborn elected House Greyjoy to rule the Iron Islands, Aegon gave the two mainland territories of Harren's kingdom to House Amell and House Tully, respectively. This event led to a strengthening of bonds between the Tullys and Amells, and marriage alliances between the two families became commonplace.
The Amells declared for Rhaenyra Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons. The head of the family, Lord Arys Amell, had received both Princes Daemon and Daeron Targaryen at Oswin's Peak, both of whom attempted to recruit House Amell to their sides. Arys, instead, suggested the two Princes duel each other; the strongest would gain House Amell's support. Daemon defeated Daeron in single combat, although Lord Arys forbade the Rogue Prince from killing Daeron while under his roof. As promised, the Amells joined the Blacks. Lord Arys would become a permanent member of the Black Council afterward. The Amells' decision to join the Blacks created enmity with House Lannister, who had taken the side of the Greens. According to maesters Munkun and Gyldayn, the Lannisters had sent an assassin to kill Lord Arys. The cutthroat managed to slice his throat, though not deep enough to kill him. Instead, Arys was rendered mute, and would require a maester to translate his speech for the rest of his life.
The following sworn houses have yet to appear in the series:
- House Winfield of the Stillfort
- House Langley of the Hills
- House Lyman of Lyman Hill
- House Horringer of Greenvale
- House Barbon of Springton
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ Game of Thrones: Season 1, Episode 4: "Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things"
- ↑ Game of Thrones: Season 2, Episode 2: "The Night Lands"
- ↑ Game of Thrones: Season 2, Episode 4: "Garden of Bones"
- ↑ Game of Thrones: Season 3, Episode 4: "And Now His Watch Is Ended"
- ↑ Game of Thrones: Season 4, Episode 3: "Breaker of Chains"
- ↑ Game of Thrones: Season 5, Episode 2: "The House of Black and White"
- ↑ Game of Thrones: Season 6, Episode 5: "The Door"
- ↑ Game of Thrones: Season 7, Episode 7: "The Dragon and the Wolf"
- ↑ Game of Thrones: Season 8, Episode 6: "The Iron Throne"
| Crownlands: |
Elected king, currently |
| Dorne: | |
| Grove: |
|
| Iron Islands: | |
| North: | |
| Reach: | |
| Riverlands: | |
| Stormlands: | |
| Vale of Arryn: | |
| Westerlands: | |
| Formerly: | |
| Extinct: |
|
House Amell
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head: | Bethany Amell | Heir: | N/A |  | |
| Seat: | Oswin's Peak | Lands: | The Grove | ||
| Titles: | Lord Paramount of the Grove • Lord of Oswin's Peak | ||||
| Ancestors: | Amell Oswin • Gamlen Amell • Gareth Amell • Arys Amell | ||||
| Deceased members: | Elston Amell • Ciaran Amell • Monica Arryn • Malcolm Amell • Ulthor Amell • Alessa Amell • Jason Amell • Ellis Amell • Easton Amell | ||||
| Overlord: | King Bran I the Broken | ||||
Houses from the Grove | |
|---|---|
| Great House: |
Amell |
| Noble houses: |
Bailey • Byre • Cumberland • Felman • Lynch • Manton • Monford • Morvayn • Stanway |
| Knightly houses: |
Crawley • Elwood • Oldwood |
| Extinct houses: | |