Lore

Everything you need to know about The Sack of Duskendale

The first major offensive of the Greens in the Targaryen Civil War.

Published

1 month ago

October 11, 2024

Ved Prabhudesai

Credit: HBO

As House of the Dragon Season 2 has already premiered, fans of George R.R. Martin‘s Game of Thrones universe were thrilled to witness the epic conflicts depicted in Fire and Blood. One of the earliest and most pivotal clashes in the Targaryen civil war is the Sack of Duskendale. This event has been portrayed quite similarly to the book, with only minor changes.

The fallout from the Sack of Duskendale had significant implications for the ongoing war, particularly influencing Steffon Darklyn’s decision to attempt to claim a dragon for himself. This article explores the portrayal of the Sack of Duskendale in House of the Dragon, comparing it to its representation in Fire and Blood.

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What happened at the Sack of Duskendale?

Credit: HBO

The Green Offensive

The Sack of Duskendale occurred early in the Dance of the Dragons in 132 AC. King Aegon II, frustrated by the Blacks’ early victories, appointed Ser Criston Cole as Hand of the King. Cole advised attacking houses loyal to Rhaenyra Targaryen, starting with those near King’s Landing.

The Attack on Duskendale

King Aegon II’s army, now 3,000 strong, marched on Duskendale, a port town ruled by House Darklyn. The town, caught unprepared, fell quickly to the Green forces led by Ser Criston Cole.

Consequences of the Sack

During the sack, the Green armies captured the Dun Fort and burned all ships in the harbor. Ser Criston Cole personally beheaded Lord Gunthor Darklyn for treason. Most of Darklyn’s knights submitted to King Aegon, while some chose death over submission.

Quick Facts about the Sack of Duskendale

Duskendale Map

Wiki of Thrones Interactive Map

Occurred in 132 AC, early in the Dance of the Dragons
First major offensive by the Greens in the Crownlands
Led by Ser Criston Cole, Hand of the King to Aegon II
Resulted in the capture of Duskendale and execution of Lord Gunthor Darklyn
Preceded the attack on Rook’s Rest

The Sack of Duskendale in House of the Dragon

Credit: HBO

Prelude to the Attack

In House of the Dragon, Ser Criston Cole assembles a Targaryen-Hightower army in King’s Landing after being named Hand of the King. He marches north on the Rosby Road to force the submission of Crownlands houses to the Greens.

The Assault on Duskendale

The show depicts Cole’s army attacking Duskendale, defended by Lord Gunthor and the Darklyn garrison. Despite their efforts, the Green army breaches the town’s walls and captures the Dun Fort.

Aftermath and Execution

After the battle, Cole assembles the remaining Darklyn forces outside Duskendale. He offers them a choice: swear allegiance to Aegon or face execution. Lord Gunthor, brought before them in chains, rebukes Cole before being publicly beheaded.

How does Fire and Blood describe the Sack of Duskendale?

Credits: Michael Cormack

The Green Strategy

Fire and Blood presents the Sack of Duskendale as part of Ser Criston Cole’s aggressive strategy. The book details how Cole convinced Aegon II to strike against houses that had declared for Rhaenyra, starting with those closest to King’s Landing.

The March to Duskendale

George R.R. Martin’s work describes the Green army’s progress, including their peaceful takeover of Rosby and Stokeworth before reaching Duskendale. These earlier successes bolstered the Green forces, increasing their numbers to 3,000 men.

The Battle and Its Aftermath

Fire and Blood provides a vivid account of the sack, including the burning of ships and the execution of Lord Darklyn. It emphasizes how this victory emboldened the Greens to continue their campaign, leading to the siege of Rook’s Rest.

Key Figures in the Sack of Duskendale

Ser Criston Cole: Hand of the King to Aegon II and leader of the Green forces
King Aegon II Targaryen: Leader of the Greens
Lord Gunthor Darklyn: Ruler of Duskendale and supporter of the Blacks

Aftermath of the Sack of Duskendale

Immediate Consequences

The Sack of Duskendale eliminated a key supporter of the Blacks and secured a strategic port for the Greens. It demonstrated the effectiveness of Ser Criston Cole’s aggressive tactics and strengthened Aegon II’s position in the Crownlands.

Long-term Impact

This victory encouraged the Greens to continue their offensive, leading to the siege of Rook’s Rest. The sack intensified the conflict, prompting a stronger response from Rhaenyra and her supporters, including the deployment of dragons in subsequent battles.

Quotes

“Is there no honor left in this world, Cole? Sacking your queen’s own castles and putting her people to the sword?” – Lord Gunthor Darklyn to Ser Criston Cole

“The Sack of Duskendale marked the beginning of Ser Criston Cole’s campaign to crush the supporters of the usurper Rhaenyra.” – Excerpt from Fire and Blood

Quick Answers

Why did the Greens target Duskendale?

The Greens targeted Duskendale because House Darklyn supported Rhaenyra Targaryen. Its proximity to King’s Landing and strategic value as a port made it an important early target in the Greens’ offensive strategy.

What was the significance of the Sack of Duskendale in the Dance of the Dragons?

The Sack of Duskendale marked the first major offensive by the Greens in the war. It demonstrated the effectiveness of Ser Criston Cole’s aggressive strategy and set the stage for further attacks on Black-allied houses in the Crownlands.

How did the Sack of Duskendale affect the balance of power in the war?

The sack strengthened the Greens’ position by eliminating a key ally of the Blacks and securing a strategic location. It boosted the morale of Aegon II’s forces and proved that the Greens could mount effective offensive operations against Rhaenyra’s supporters.

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