AGOT 18 – Catelyn IV

The look brought back vivid memories for Catelyn. He had been a sly child, but after his mischiefs he always looked contrite; it was a gift he had. The years had not changed him much. Petyr had been a small boy, and he had grown into a small man, an inch or two shorter than Catelyn, slender and quick, with the sharp features she remembered and the same laughing grey-green eyes. He had a little pointed chin beard now, and threads of silver in his dark hair, though he was still shy of thirty.

AGOT 18 – CATELYN IV (GRRM)

POV character
Catelyn Stark 4

Chapter (AGOT)
19 / 73

Chapter (ASOIAF)
19 / 344

Summary

Catelyn and Rodrick Cassel arrive at Kingslanding on the tyroshi trading galley Storm Dancer. They seek the king’s master of arms – whom Cassel knows – and hope that he can point out the owner of the knife. But they do not want to meet a man called Littlefinger – Lord Baelish now. Because he would know Catelyn instantly as he was her fathers ward when she was young.

They decide to stay undercover at an Inn, Cassel tries to seek Santagar, the master of arms and bring him to Catelyn. As Rodrick Cassel is gone, Catelyn sleeps in her room, when the city guard comes and demands her to be brought to the castle, on Lord Baelish’ order. He meets her and tells her that Varys, the king’s spymaster or “spider” as Catelyn calls him, found out about her arrival. Catelyn suspects, that the tyroshi captain of the ship earned himself a little more gold in the process.

Varys joins them, and Catelyn clearly shows that she does not trust him. Varys shows deep sympathy and compassion to Bran’s fate and even offers to send for healers from the east, but Catelyn does not want to hear any of it. Catelyn really is surprised when Varys asks for the dagger an fears for Rodrick Cassel. Varys assures her that the knight is alright. When Catelyn shows them the dagger Littlefinger tells her that the knife once was his, until Tyrion won it at a bet.

Thoughts

• Kingslanding is described on its three hills and all – I always image in it a little bit like ancient Rome, although not medieval. But the size and flair of the city is somehow very Rome-like.
• “Lord Varys knows everything . . . except why you are here.” He lifted an eyebrow. “Why are you here?”
  Something Varys really hates – but very easy explained: Catelyn was VERY fast and no birds flew to Kingslanding from Winterfell. But we see that Baelish’ information is old – Varys comes in and knows that a dagger is the cause, so the spider does his work.
• She is very snobby here as she always thinks how lowborn Baelish AND Varys are. But that is Catelyn Stark…
• Only Pycelle, Varys and Littlefinger are in the capital and run the country – a little scary in hindsight.
• I think Varys really cares for Bran’s fate – as he has a soft spot for kids (as far as I remember).
• Oh what a great lie (and an awesome way to show how unreliable Littlefinger is). If I remember correctly: Tyrion will tell Catelyn later, that he would never ever bet AGAINST his brother (and we know that is true, as Jaime is the only one of his close family he loves). Or do I misremember here? The fate and story of this dagger is what makes the “murder-mystery” part of AGOT-ASOS really great.
• Book vs. series: Baelish is hard. The actor was so well cast (and I think he even was one the fans really wanted in the first place). Ok, Aidan Gillen is too good looking, but that will always be the problem of Hollywood-like-productions. I definitively have a problem keeping “series Littlefinger” out of my imagination.

Myriam Thyes, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons – Link

AGOT 14 – Catelyn III

The wolf was looking at her. Its jaws were red and wet and its eyes glowed golden in the dark room. It was Bran’s wolf, she realized. Of course it was. “Thank you,” Catelyn whispered, her voice faint and tiny. She lifted her hand, trembling. The wolf padded closer, sniffed at her fingers, then licked at the blood with a wet rough tongue. When it had cleaned all the blood off her hand, it turned away silently and jumped up on Bran’s bed and lay down beside him. Catelyn began to laugh hysterically.

AGOT 14 – CATELYN III (GRRM)

POV character
Catelyn Stark 3

Chapter (AGOT)
15 / 73

Chapter (ASOIAF)
15 / 344

Summary

Catelyn has been on Bran’s side since the fall. She is not able to sleep or to leave the room out of fear he could die. In fact she did not even say properly good bye to her husband and daughters. Maester Luwin comes to speak about administrative tasks and she is not able to appoint a new steward or captain of guards or even master of horse. Robb comes into the room and dismisses Luwin with the remark, that he will name the candidates.

When alone with his mother Robb urges her to be brave for all of them and leave the room. He tells her, that he needs her assistance and counsel and even more – the little Rickon needs his mother. He assures her that Bran will not die and therefore does not need her permanent attendance. Suddenly the wolves and dogs start to howl and bark – a fire broke out in the library tower. Robb orders her to stay and leaves.

An assassin sneaks into the room, talking about mercy and turning on Bran. Catelyn wrangles with the unknown man, pushing the valyrian steel knive away with bare hands and biting him. A wolf runs into the room and kills the assassin with a single bite – it is Bran’s wolf. The guards find her laughing manically and the wolf lying on Bran’s bed beside him. They tend to her wounds and bring her to bed where she sleeps for four days.

She gets ahold of herself and is ashamed of her behavior. Robb and others arrive and tell her, that nobody knew the man, but he came with the king. They decide that he was one of the king’s men or at least a Lannister and hid in the stables. She tells them, that Bran was the target but they do not believe in the first place. She points out, that Bran might have witnessed something and therefore more killers could come.

As Bran’s state is unchanged Robb orders four men to watch over him day and night. Catelyn insists to let the wolf where he is, as he saved the boy. Catelyn then tells all present to swear an oath and afterwards tells them about Lysa’s suspicion. She adds that she thinks Jaime – who was not attending the hunt – might have thrown Bran from the tower. Nobody believes it, but all become suspicious.

Catelyn decides that someone has to go to Kingslanding, and that it would be her, as Robb has to stay in Winterfell. Ser Rodrick offers to accompany and protect her and she agrees. She plans to go to Whiteharbour and via sea to even be faster than Eddard.

Thoughts

• On one hand I understand that Catelyn is nurturing a severe depression here, but the attitude is (while realistic) very hard to read in a heroic fantasy (and we still thought we are in one, when reading that the first time 😉 In the end: Catelyn did (in the books) a total 180 when first she is very weak and becomes harder and harder – until she is stone-cold…
• I find it strange that they make the totally right accusation: Jaime was the one that pushed Bran. But I (again) wonder why they never thought about the WHY. What might be so important, that Bran should not have seen it. They do not even think on more mundane things like killing the king (something Jaime already DID and something that – as a white cloak – would be a scandal). This bothers me somehow.

Auckland Museum, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons – Link

AGOT 06 – Catelyn II

“My father went south once, to answer the summons of a king. He never came home again.” – “A different time,” Maester Luwin said. “A different king.”

AGOT 06 – CATELYN II (GRRM)

POV character
Catelyn Stark 2

Chapter (AGOT)
7 / 73

Chapter (ASOIAF)
7 / 344

Summary

Catelyn and Eddard discuss Robert’s offer to be Hand and marry Sansa to Joffrey in her chamber. Eddard wants to refuse, but Catelyn (still impacted by the dead direwolf, killed by a stag) argues in favor of it. In fact she says that Eddard must take the position to keep House Stark safe. Eddard remarks that he knows Robert and he would not harm his family. Catelyn answers that he knew Robert but doesn’t know the king. Their argument ends when Eddard reminds bitterly that he should not be in this position as his older brother Brandon should have been Lord of Winterfell, with Catelyn at his side and making difficult decisions.

Maester Luwin interrupts them. He received a message within a hidden compartment of a box. He believes that somebody in the king’s party delivered it. The letter is not for Luwin nor for Eddard, but Catelyn. Catelyn reads the letter her sister Lysa sent. It is encryptet but Catelyn is still able to read the secret language she and her sister used as children. She orders Luwin to stay as she knows that they will need his advice.

After making fire and burning the letter she tells them of the content. Lysa wrote that her husband Jon Arryn was murdered by the queen – at the very least another Lannister. Eddard is in disbelieve, but Catelyn is convinced that it is true. Catelyn and Luwin argue with Ned, that he now has to take the position Robert offers him to find the truth, bring justice and protect Lady Arryn and her son. Eddard curses the two others.

Eddard orders Catelyn to stay in Winterfell with his heir Robb. She has to rule the north in his (and Robbs) name until he returns and/or Robb is ready. He tells her to teach Robb how to rule. He also decides that all children except Robb and the small Rickon will come with him. She understands with the girls, but Bran he does not want to send away. But Ned wants Bran to befriend the princes – all for the safety of House Stark.

Jon Snow and his future is brought up. Catelyn remembers how her newly wed husband returned home with the baby. And how hard it was for her. Ned would have let him stay, but Catelyn insist that he leaves as he is “your son, not mine.” Ned says that he can not take him south as there is no place on court for him. Luwin reveals that Benjen came to him and told him that Jon considered to take the black. Catelyn cheers silently because of this solution, Eddard is hesitant as he also thinks Jon might be too young. On the other hand is the nightswatch an organisation with great honor (if you go there voluntarily) and even a bastard can rise the ranks there. In addition it is perfect in Catelyns eyes as Jon will not be allowed to father children that could claim Winterfell once.

In the end Eddard agrees and states that he will talk to Jon.

Thoughts

• Oh my, at APOIAF this is one of the chapters that is mentioned very often. Why? Because of Catelyn’s aching loins. As somebody else once put it “…the delivery and banter can get quite base at times” (and that is exactly why I love the people of House Manwoody!).
• I have read Dune in the meantime – mentats and maesters – I see were your inspiration comes from GRRM.
• Eddard is totally right, that he will not come back…
• Ned brought his bastard home with him, and called him “son” for all the north to see.
  “Promise me” – a thought comes up – maybe the promise was as simple as “raise him as your son, promise me Ned” Because that would include all of what we suspect he promised. But long discussions with a dying woman are also strange. Therefore this simple sentence would be enough.
• The Lady Ashara Dayne, tall and fair, with haunting violet eyes.
  A convenient cover if the boy would ever show LILAC eyes??
• Book vs. show: One thing that is easily separated are the visuals. Although the locations they used at the show were great, the grandness and possibilities you have in your imagination is unmatched. Alone the description how Winterfell is heated and the stuff with the glasshouse and the hot pools – all of that paints a great image in my mind, that I am sure is not from the series, and (i know) that will be even more as soon as the walls and the towers and all of that is described.

Julian Gaiarre, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons – Link

AGOT 02 – Catelyn I

“There are darker things beyond the Wall.” She glanced behind her at the heart tree, the pale bark and red eyes, watching, listening, thinking its long slow thoughts.

AGOT 02 – CATELYN I (GRRM)

POV character
Catelyn Stark 1

Chapter (AGOT)
3 / 73

Chapter (ASOIAF)
3 / 344

Summary

Catelyn Stark walks into Winterfell’s godswood, a patch of old wood, that is surrounded by the castle. She looks for her husband who always – after coming back from an execution – seeks the silence here. She thinks about the differences between the nameless and faceless gods of old and the north, and her faith that includes seven faces of god with distinct names and roles and lots of rainbow colors. Eddard (Ned) even built a small sept for her to worship her gods.

She finds her husband in the middle of the wood at a pool – under the so-called “heart tree” with its white trunk, blood-red leaves and a carved face. There he sits and cleans his sword in a pool of water. He asks her about the children and she tells him, that they are arguing about names for the wolves. The three-year old Rickon is a little afraid of the wolves, but Eddard only remarks that Rickon has to face his fears better sooner than later as “Winter is coming” as the Stark words tell, indicating that (always) hard times are ahead.

They talk about the execution and that Bran did well. Afterwards they talk about the dwindling strenth of the nightswatch and Eddard says that he might have to call for the banners to ride beyond the wall to confront the wildlings and their leader, the “King-beyond-the-Wall” Mance Raider. After these formalities Catelyn has to tell Eddard bad news: Jon Arryn died.

Eddard had fostered in the Eyrie in his youth. This mighty castle is the seat of House Arryn, Lords of the Vale. Jon Arryn became a second father to Ned, and his other ward Robert Baratheon. Ned still was grateful that Jon Arryn once raised his banner in rebellion against the crown to protect the ones he pledged to protect as “The Mad King” demanded the heads of Eddard and Robert. And during this strange times years ago, Jon Arryn became even Ned’s brother-in-law, as both married daughters of House Tully to forge a strong bond between the rebellious houses.

Eddard is first in disbelieve, but Catelyn assures him, that King Robert himself wrote the letter. The letter also included that Jon Arryn’s wife, Catelyn’s sister Lysa, took their son and went home to the Eyre – although Catelyn thinks that might not be good and Riverrun (her home) might have been better. Eddard urges Catelyn to visit her sister together with the kids to fill the castle with laughter, as only her uncle is waiting there for her as he is in the Vale’s service at the moment.

Catelyn refuses, because the letter also included other news: the king rides north and wants to visit Winterfell. Catelyn has heard the rumors of the wolf that was killed by a stag and is therefore cautios. Eddard is pleased until he hears that Robert will bring his whole royal household, including his wife, children and brothers-in-law. The queen’s family, House Lannisters, were late supporters of the rebellion and Eddard never forgave them.

Thoughts

• Catelyn is the cause why we never got a POV from Robb as she is (more or less) always at his side. And of course because she will go to the Vale – a perspective we never would have gotten otherwise. If I like her chapters or not (and I tend to “not”) does not matter here – she is integral to GRRMs storytelling of the first books and strangely is one of the few (or only?) main POVs (excluding prologues and epilogues) that is killed later on (besides Eddard of course).
• There was no sept prior to Catelyn being Lady Stark. I conclude that the Starks up until that point did only marry with houses that follow the old faith (most likely northeners) or were so ignorant to ignore the new faith and the wishes of their spouses.
• The face in the heart tree – might someone or something look through them? Mayhaps. Catelyn feels watched by them.
• The isle of faces with “green men” is mentioned. I believe we still do not know what they are.
• Book vs. show: Catelyn in the books always had a much more “elegant” and “noble” feeling (still struggling with the northeners and their ways, 15 years after her marriage). The show-Catelyn is (as far as I remember) much more down too earth and grounded and only a little bit hoity-toity. And as all roles were aged up, also Michelle Fairley is easy to keep out of my head. About Sean Bean’s Eddard I already wrote in “Bran I”. Although as a couple and within the show Lord and Lady Stark were well cast.

Wald1siedel, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons – Link