Everything we know about the Taking of Stone Hedge from the Dance of the Dragons

The Taking of Stone Hedge marked a significant event in the Dance of the Dragons. This battle, described in George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, showcases the complex alliances and rivalries during the Targaryen Civil War. House of the Dragon gave us a very different version of this epic showdown.

What happened at the Taking of Stone Hedge?

Credits: HBO

The Taking of Stone Hedge occurred early in the Dance of the Dragons. In Fire and Blood, Prince Daemon Targaryen led forces from Houses Darry, Frey, Piper, and Roote against the seat of House Bracken. The Blacks easily captured the castle due to its weakened defenses. They took Lord Humfrey Bracken, his children, wife, and paramour as prisoners. However, House of the Dragon depicted this event differently, with Daemon not directly involved in the battle.

Quick facts

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1. The battle took place in the Riverlands. (Books and Show)
2. Prince Daemon Targaryen led the attack on the Blacks. (Books)
3. House Bracken supported the Greens in the conflict. (Books and Show)
4. The castle fell quickly due to its weakened defenses. (Books)
5. This victory strengthened the Blacks’ position in the Riverlands. (Books and Show)

In House of the Dragon

Credits: HBO

Daemon’s campaign in the Riverlands

In House of the Dragon Season 2, Daemon Targaryen leads a campaign in the Riverlands. He meets with Ser Willem Blackwood at Harrenhal to discuss an alliance. Daemon agrees to help punish House Bracken in exchange for Blackwood soldiers. This sets the stage for the conflict at Stone Hedge.

Confrontation with Amos Bracken

Daemon and Willem Blackwood confront Amos Bracken to demand his allegiance. Amos refuses and does not fear Daemon’s threats. Daemon stops Caraxes from burning Amos and his men. He asks Willem to persuade the Brackens to submit without violence.

Willem Blackwood’s actions

Willem Blackwood urges Daemon to kill Amos Bracken after an insult. Daemon gives Willem unofficial permission to force House Bracken’s submission through terror tactics. Willem’s actions, while flying Targaryen banners, outrage the Riverlords. They confront Daemon at Harrenhal and refuse to give him their allegiance.

Read More: Game of Thrones location Dark Hedges voted one of the most beautiful places in the world

How does Fire and Blood describe the Taking of Stone Hedge?

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Background of the conflict

Fire and Blood describes the Taking of Stone Hedge as part of the ongoing feud between Houses Bracken and Blackwood. The Blacks allied with House Blackwood, while the Brackens declared for the Greens. This division set the stage for conflict in the Riverlands.

Initial skirmishes

Lord Samwell Blackwood sent raiders into Bracken territory. Ser Amos Bracken retaliated by marching towards Blackwood lands. The two armies clashed at the Burning Mill. The Blackwoods ambushed and defeated the Brackens, killing Ser Amos Bracken.

The attack on Stone Hedge

Prince Daemon led a strong host against Stone Hedge. The castle’s defenses were low due to Ser Amos and Ser Raylon taking most of the Bracken forces. The Blacks easily stormed and captured the castle. They took Lord Humfrey Bracken and his family as prisoners.

Aftermath of the battle

When Ser Raylon returned with Green forces, he yielded to Prince Daemon. This ended Green strength in the Riverlands. King Aegon realized the Blacks had more supporters than he initially thought. The Taking of Stone Hedge was a significant loss for the Greens.

Read More: Traffic ban begins on Game of Thrones filming location, the Dark Hedges

Key Figures

Prince Daemon Targaryen (Books and Show)
Prince Daemon Targaryen led the attack on Stone Hedge. His leadership was key in securing this strategic victory for the Blacks. His portrayal in the show highlights his political cunning, while the books emphasize his direct involvement in the battle.

Lord Humfrey Bracken (Books and Show)
Lord Humfrey Bracken was the head of House Bracken and a loyal supporter of the Greens. He and his family were taken as prisoners during the battle. His capture weakened the Greens’ influence in the Riverlands.

Ser Willem Blackwood (Show)
Ser Willem Blackwood was a staunch ally of the Blacks and played a significant role in the events surrounding the Taking of Stone Hedge, particularly in House of the Dragon. His rivalry with House Bracken is a central theme in the conflict, reflecting the long-standing enmity between their houses.

Ser Amos Bracken (Books and Show)
In both the books and the show, Ser Amos Bracken leads the Green forces and opposes House Blackwood. In the books, he is killed during the Battle of the Burning Mill, weakening Bracken’s defenses. In House of the Dragon, he refuses Daemon Targaryen’s demand to renounce King Aegon II, prompting Daemon to use terror tactics, eventually forcing Amos to submit.

Ser Raylon Rivers (Books)
Ser Raylon Rivers, a leader of House Bracken’s forces, surrendered Stone Hedge to Daemon after realizing the battle was lost. His surrender marked the end of Green strength in the Riverlands.

Aftermath

The Taking of Stone Hedge had several important consequences:

1. It solidified Black control in the Riverlands.
2. The Greens lost a significant ally in House Bracken.
3. King Aegon II realized the extent of Black support.
4. It escalated the conflict between Houses Bracken and Blackwood.

Quotes

“I would sooner be the lord of bones and cinders than bend my knee before some heathen Blackwood c***, and his hired dragon.” ―Amos Bracken

Quick answers

Who led the attack on Stone Hedge?

Prince Daemon Targaryen led the attack on Stone Hedge for the Blacks in Fire and Blood. Willem Blackwood led the attack in House of the Dragon.

Why was Stone Hedge easily captured?

In Fire and Blood, Stone Hedge was easily captured because most of its defenders were away fighting the Blackwoods.

What was the significance of this battle?

The Taking of Stone Hedge ended Green strength in the Riverlands and showed the extent of Black support.

How does this event differ in House of the Dragon?

In House of the Dragon, the event focuses more on political maneuvering and less on the actual battle.

What happened to the Brackens after the battle?

Lord Humfrey Bracken and his family were captured in the books and possibly the show.

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