Lore

Everything We Need to Know about The First Battle of Tumbleton

The treachery of the Two Betrayers.

Published

2 months ago

October 22, 2024

Ved Prabhudesai

Credits: Ertaç Altinöz

The First Battle of Tumbleton marked a significant moment in the Dance of the Dragons. George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood details this devastating battle, which fans can expect to see in future seasons of House of the Dragon. This battle changed the trajectory of the war in Game of Thrones history.

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Contents

3 Minutes Read

What happened at Tumbleton?

The Battle of Tumbleton (Credits: Douglas Wheatley)

The First Battle of Tumbleton occurred in the Reach during the Dance of the Dragons. Two dragonseeds betrayed the Blacks, leading to a Green victory. The battle ended with widespread destruction and the brutal sack of the town.

Quick facts

1. Lord Ormund Hightower led the Green forces. (Books)
2. The Blacks had between 6,000 and 12,000 defenders. (Books)
3. Three dragons participated in the battle: Vermithor, Silverwing, and Tessarion. (Books)
4. Two dragonriders switched sides during the battle. (Books)
5. The battle ended in widespread destruction of the town. (Books)

In House of the Dragon

Credits: HBO

Setup for the battle

House of the Dragon Season 2 introduces Tumbleton through Hugh’s storyline. His wife Kat suggests fleeing to Tumbleton, where her brother lives. Hugh refuses, believing in King Aegon II’s promises of payment. This establishes Tumbleton’s significance before the upcoming battle.

In Fire and Blood

Lord Ormund Hightower (Credits: Generated with Leonardo AI)

Prelude to battle

Fire and Blood describes Lord Ormund Hightower’s march toward King’s Landing. The Blacks sent Ulf White and Hugh Hammer with their dragons to defend Tumbleton. The town received reinforcements from Ser Garibald Grey and the Winter Wolves. The Greens infiltrated the town by disguising soldiers as refugees.

The battle unfolds

The battle began with Ser Garibald Grey leading six thousand men against Lord Ormund’s forces. The Winter Wolves charged the Hightower lines. Roderick Dustin killed Lord Ormund and Ser Bryndon before dying. Hugh Hammer and Ulf White then betrayed the Blacks, turning their dragons on the town. The betrayal led to massive destruction and casualties.

Aftermath and consequences

Prince Daeron tried to restore order after the battle. The Green Army’s victory led to chaos and destruction. Many nobles fought among themselves, with Lord Unwin Peake killing Lord Owain Bourney. The army remained at Tumbleton instead of advancing to King’s Landing. This decision set up the Second Battle of Tumbleton.

Key figures

1. Lord Ormund Hightower: Green commander who died in battle. (Books)
2. Hugh Hammer and Ulf White: Dragonriders who betrayed the Blacks. (Books)
3. Roderick Dustin: Led the Winter Wolves’ charge. (Books)
4. Prince Daeron: Rode Tessarion in battle. (Books)
5. Ser Hobert Hightower: Failed to control the army after the battle. (Books)

Aftermath

1. The Greens captured Tumbleton but failed to maintain discipline. (Books)
2. The town suffered widespread destruction and civilian casualties. (Books)
3. Queen Rhaenyra sealed King’s Landing’s gates to prevent a mass exodus. (Books)
4. The betrayal led to the formation of the Caltrops. (Books)
5. The Green Army lost cohesion and suffered desertions. (Books)

Quotes

“The town was theirs, but it cost them dear.” – Fire and Blood

“Not even the septas were spared.” – Description of the sack of Tumbleton

Quick answers

Why was Tumbleton important?

Tumbleton was the last fortress between King’s Landing and the advancing Green army. (Books)

What caused the Blacks to lose the battle?

Hugh Hammer and Ulf White’s betrayal turned the tide in favor of the Greens. (Books)

How many dragons fought in the battle?

Three dragons participated: Vermithor, Silverwing, and Tessarion. (Books)

What happened to the town after the battle?

The Green Army sacked Tumbleton, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties. (Books)

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones (The Targaryen Dynasty: The House of the Dragon)

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12/20/2024 11:27 am GMT

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Related Topics:Hugh Hammer tum Ulf White

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Ved Prabhudesai

Ved Prabhudesai is an avid enthusiast of all things pop culture. He has a special interest in the field of animation and art, with a background in Fine Arts and Digital Media Arts. He has begun his first into the field of Entertainment Journalism with Wiki of Thrones, and has been writing for them since 2023. He also has experience working as a screenplay writer, animator and comic book artist. His hobbies include holding discussions and organising events focused around pop culture, dissecting the importance of media in today's world. He began reading A Song Of Ice And Fire shortly before Game of Thrones debuted on HBO. He has followed the series religiously and has spent hours reading Wikis learning about Targaryen history and possible plot points we will see in the Winds of Winter.