Everything we know about the Sack of Bitterbridge

The Game of Thrones universe, created by George R.R. Martin, continues to captivate fans with its rich history and dramatic events. With the premiere of House of the Dragon Season 2, fans are witnessing more moments that shaped Westeros. In both the show and the book Fire and Blood, the Dance of the Dragons marks one of the most destructive civil wars in Targaryen history. One key event during this war was the Sack of Bitterbridge.

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What happened at the Sack of Bitterbridge?

Credits: Tomasz Jedruszek

The Sack of Bitterbridge was a bloody conflict during the Dance of the Dragons. It involved the Green faction and Prince Daeron Targaryen, who was the younger brother of King Aegon II. Bitterbridge, a town in the Reach, became a crucial point in the war after Prince Maelor, Aegon’s young son, was killed by a mob while passing through the town. Daeron, furious over his nephew’s death, launched a brutal attack on Bitterbridge, burning the town and killing hundreds. This event is detailed in both the book Fire and Blood and briefly referenced in the show.

Quick facts

• The Sack of Bitterbridge occurred during the Dance of the Dragons. (Books)
• Prince Daeron Targaryen attacked the town after Prince Maelor’s death. (Books)
• Prince Daeron used his dragon, Tessarion, to burn the town. (Books)
• This event has yet to occur in House of the Dragon, though it might be portrayed differently. (Show)
• Bitterbridge is the seat of House Caswell. (Books)

In House of the Dragon

Credit: HBO

Daeron’s campaign in the Reach

This event is yet to occur in House of the Dragon. One key figure, Prince Maelor Targaryen, has been cut from the series, which may prevent the event from happening. However, Prince Daeron Targaryen has been introduced, and fans speculate that his actions in the Reach may lead to a version of the Sack of Bitterbridge. Instead of Prince Maelor’s death, the show might depict Daeron reacting to another character’s death, such as his mother, Queen Alicent Hightower, or even himself being killed, with his brother Aemond avenging him. These changes could affect the portrayal of Bitterbridge’s destruction, but the show’s creators have not yet confirmed whether they will include this event.

In Fire and Blood

Credits: Lucian Tumani

What was the background to the Sack of Bitterbridge?

Bitterbridge is a town located in the Reach, known for being the seat of House Caswell. During the Dance of the Dragons, Lord Allun Caswell swore his loyalty to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. After the Greens took control of King’s Landing, they captured and executed Lord Caswell for refusing to switch allegiance. His widow, Lady Caswell, ruled Bitterbridge in the name of their young son. As the war progressed, Prince Maelor Targaryen, the son of King Aegon II, was traveling under the protection of Ser Rickard Thorne when they were discovered in Bitterbridge. The discovery led to the tragic events that followed.

What caused the Sack of Bitterbridge?

Ser Rickard Thorne and Prince Maelor were disguised and passing through Bitterbridge on their way to Longtable. A stableboy discovered Maelor’s dragon egg, revealing their identities. Realizing the danger, Ser Rickard killed the innkeeper and attempted to flee with Maelor. However, a mob from Bitterbridge captured and killed them. Different sources give varying accounts of Maelor’s death: some say the mob tore him apart, while others claim a washerwoman accidentally killed him. Regardless of the cause, Maelor’s death enraged his uncle, Prince Daeron Targaryen.

What happened during the Sack of Bitterbridge?

When Prince Daeron learned of his nephew’s death, he led the Green forces to Bitterbridge. Riding his dragon Tessarion, Daeron unleashed his fury on the town, burning buildings and killing hundreds of people. Lord Ormund Hightower’s forces executed many survivors, and Lady Caswell, who had tried to surrender, hanged herself in despair. The Greens took control of Bitterbridge after the massacre, but the town was left in ruins. Daeron’s violent retaliation further escalated the war between the Greens and the Blacks.

Key figures

• Prince Daeron Targaryen – Led the Green forces and ordered the destruction of Bitterbridge. (Books)
• Ser Rickard Thorne – Kingsguard member who attempted to protect Prince Maelor. (Books)
• Prince Maelor Targaryen – The young son of King Aegon II, was killed in Bitterbridge. (Books)
• Lady Caswell – Ruler of Bitterbridge, who hanged herself after the town’s destruction. (Books)

Aftermath

The Sack of Bitterbridge had immediate consequences for the Greens and the Blacks. Prince Daeron’s brutal actions solidified the Greens’ control over the Reach, but it also horrified many of their supporters. Bitterbridge was left in ruins, and House Caswell’s power was shattered. The town symbolized the devastation caused by the Dance of the Dragons. In the long term, this event contributed to the growing animosity between the factions and further fueled the conflict. (Books)

Quotes

“You shall receive the same terms you gave my nephew Maelor.”– Daeron Targaryen

Quick answers

Who led the attack on Bitterbridge?

Prince Daeron Targaryen led the attack on Bitterbridge, burning the town with his dragon Tessarion. (Books)

Why did Bitterbridge fall?

Bitterbridge fell after the death of Prince Maelor, which enraged Prince Daeron. He burned the town as retaliation. (Books)

What was the significance of the Sack of Bitterbridge?

The Sack of Bitterbridge demonstrated the lengths to which Prince Daeron would go to avenge his family, further escalating the Dance of the Dragons. (Books)

What happened to House Caswell after the sack?

House Caswell was left leaderless after the sack. Lady Caswell hanged herself, and her children were sent to Oldtown as prisoners. (Books)

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12/29/2024 12:02 pm GMT