Everything we know about House Darklyn of Duskendale

House Darklyn, once a powerful noble family in the Crownlands, plays a significant role in the intricate politics of Westeros. Known for their strategic seat at Duskendale, their story intertwines with the larger history of the Targaryens, especially during the events of House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones.

Their downfall, tied to defiance against the Targaryens, stands as a tragic chapter in the history of the Seven Kingdoms. George R. R. Martin’s intricate world-building brings House Darklyn to life, with their rise, fall, and ultimate legacy forming a fascinating piece of the Targaryen saga.

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What role did House Darklyn play in Westeros?

Credits: HBO

House Darklyn was a noble house in Westeros, once ruling over Duskendale in the Crownlands. Their seat, Dun Fort, was strategically located and an imposing structure. Known for their power in the region, House Darklyn played an important role in several significant events in Westeros history. Their ancestral land was the key to the mouth of the Blackwater Rush.

Initially, during the Age of Heroes, the Darklyns were petty kings. They were important for controlling the mouth of the Blackwater Rush. They allied with House Hollard, and this strong bond helped them maintain their rule over Duskendale. Their history is entwined with House Targaryen, and this connection is critical during the Dance of the Dragons.

Quick Facts

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• House Darklyn appears in House of the Dragon, first seen through a knight who participates in the Heir’s Tournament.
• Ser Steffon Darklyn serves as Lord Commander of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Queensguard during the Targaryen civil war.
• Lord Gunthor Darklyn refuses to submit to Aegon II, leading to his brutal execution and the sack of Duskendale.
• House Darklyn’s involvement in House of the Dragon grows during the Targaryen conflict, marking them as key players in the Dance of the Dragons.

Books

• House Darklyn initially resisted Aegon I Targaryen’s Conquest but eventually swore fealty after their defeat.
• Seven members of House Darklyn served in the Kingsguard, starting with Ser Robin Darklyn during Aegon’s reign.
• The Darklyns played a pivotal role in supporting Rhaenyra Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons but suffered greatly, with Lord Gunthor Darklyn’s execution and the sack of Duskendale.
• Lord Denys Darklyn’s defiance against King Aerys II Targaryen led to the capture of the king and the eventual downfall of House Darklyn, which was sealed by a brutal siege.

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In the Show

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House of the Dragon: Season 1

In House of the Dragon, House Darklyn makes an appearance through a knight who travels to King’s Landing to participate in the Heir’s Tournament. Unfortunately, he is killed during the event.

House of the Dragon: Season 2

In Season 2, Ser Steffon Darklyn, who served as Lord Commander of Rhaenyra’s Queensguard, continues his allegiance to her during the ongoing conflict. Lord Gunthor Darklyn also refuses to yield to Aegon II Targaryen, and this defiance leads to his brutal execution. House Darklyn’s involvement grows as they face immense challenges during the sack of Duskendale.

The event marks a significant moment in House Darklyn’s timeline. Ser Criston Cole leads the sack of Duskendale, executing Lord Gunthor and causing many Darklyns to die. House Darklyn’s fate becomes a cautionary tale of defiance against the Targaryens.

In Game of Thrones

Lord Denys Darklyn’s defiance against King Aerys II Targaryen is a major event in the history of House Darklyn. Denys requests a new charter that would allow him to levy his own port fees and taxes. When King Aerys refuses, Denys invites him to Duskendale, where he ambushes the king and captures him. This leads to a brutal siege by the Lannisters and the eventual downfall of House Darklyn. Though we do not see this event occur in Game of Thrones, it leads to the increasing paranoia and insanity of the Mad King Aerys.

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In the Books

Credits: Fran Vegas

House Darklyn during Aegon’s Conquest

When Aegon I Targaryen began his Conquest of Westeros, House Darklyn initially resisted. They allied with House Mooton to hold off Aegon’s forces. However, despite their best efforts, Aegon’s dragons proved too much. Lord Gunnor Darklyn was eventually forced to submit, and House Darklyn swore fealty to the Targaryens, marking their transition from independent kings to vassals.

During the conquest, House Darklyn faced great losses, but their strategic location was crucial to Aegon. Once they bent the knee, the Darklyns retained control of Duskendale but were now under Targaryen rule. They remained loyal through various uprisings and wars, including the Blackfyre Rebellions.

House Darklyn and the Knights of the Kingsguard

Throughout its history, House Darklyn produced seven knights of the Kingsguard. The first, Ser Robin Darklyn, was a founding member during Aegon’s reign. Over time, more members from House Darklyn served in the Kingsguard, each known for their loyalty and service to the crown. Ser Steffon Darklyn served as Lord Commander of the Queensguard for Rhaenyra Targaryen.

The Sack of Duskendale

During the Dance of the Dragons, House Darklyn aligned with Rhaenyra Targaryen. They played a pivotal role in supplying ships and resources for her forces. However, their defiance came with a heavy price. After refusing to submit to Aegon II Targaryen, Lord Gunthor Darklyn was executed, and Duskendale was sacked. Many Darklyns died in the aftermath of the conflict.

House Darklyn and The Defiance of Duskendale

Lord Denys Darklyn’s rebellion against King Aerys II is one of the darkest moments in House Darklyn’s history. Denys’s refusal to pay taxes and his demands for greater independence led to the king’s capture. The Lannisters quickly moved to siege Duskendale, and eventually, after Denys’s betrayal of the king, House Darklyn was wiped out. This brutal act sealed their fate as a powerful, yet doomed, house.

The End and Legacy of House Darklyn

The brutal defeat of House Darklyn marked the end of their power. Their legacy lives on through their role in the Targaryen history, and their downfall serves as a cautionary tale. House Darklyn’s strength in the past was overshadowed by their tragic fate during the Defiance of Duskendale.

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Quotes

“The Conquerors’ first true test came from Lord Darklyn of Duskendale and Lord Mooton of Maidenpool, who joined their power and marched south with three thousand men to drive the invaders back into the sea.” – Fire and Blood

Quick Answers

Who were the leaders of House Darklyn during Aegon’s Conquest?

During Aegon’s Conquest, House Darklyn was led by Lord Gunnor Darklyn. He initially resisted Aegon’s forces but ultimately surrendered after his defeat.

How many members of House Darklyn served in the Kingsguard?

Seven members of House Darklyn served in the Kingsguard. The first was Ser Robin Darklyn, and the last was Ser Rolland Darklyn.

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