Lore

The Battle at the Red Fork — Everything we know about the Dance of the Dragons battle

Jason Lannister’s military foray in the Dance of the Dragons.

Published

4 weeks ago

October 21, 2024

Ved Prabhudesai

Credits: HBO

The Battle at the Red Fork was a significant conflict during the Dance of the Dragons. George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood details this battle, which may feature in future seasons of House of the Dragon. Fans can expect to see this important moment brought to life on screen in Season 3 of the Game of Thrones prequel.

What happened at the Battle at the Red Fork?

Credits: HBO

The Battle at the Red Fork took place in the Riverlands during the Dance of the Dragons. Lord Jason Lannister led the Green forces against the Rivermen, supporting the Blacks. The battle occurred at the crossing of the Red Fork, one of the three main rivers of the Trident.

Quick facts

Red Fork

Wiki Of Thrones Interactive Map

1. The battle took place at the Red Fork in the Riverlands. (Books)
2. Lord Jason Lannister led the Green forces. (Books and Show)
3. The Lannister army made three attempts to cross the river. (Books)
4. A squire named Pate of Longleaf mortally wounded Lord Jason Lannister. (Books)
5. Ser Adrian Tarbeck took command after Lord Jason’s death. (Books)

In House of the Dragon

Credits: HBO

Preparation for battle

Lord Jason Lannister calls his banners and gathers forces at the Golden Tooth. He brings a thousand knights and seven thousand archers and men-at-arms. Lord Jason also brings two caged male lions with his army.

March to Harrenhal

Lord Jason and Lord Humfrey Lefford march their army across the Riverlands. They prepare to face Prince Daemon’s forces at Harrenhal. This march sets the stage for the upcoming battle at the Red Fork.

How does Fire and Blood describe the Battle at the Red Fork?

Credits: Tomasz Jedruszek

Initial conflict

Fire and Blood describes the battle in detail. The Lannister army vastly outnumbered the Rivermen. They made three attempts to cross the Red Fork. The Rivermen successfully repelled all three attempts. During the third attempt, Pate of Longleaf mortally wounded Lord Jason Lannister.

Change in leadership

After Lord Jason’s death, Ser Adrian Tarbeck took command of the Lannister forces. He led a hundred knights in a new strategy. They swam upstream, stripped of their heavy armor. This allowed them to attack the Rivermen from behind.

Conclusion of the battle

Ser Adrian Tarbeck slew Lord Tristan Vance, leader of the Rivermen. This led to the surrender of the remaining Rivermen forces. The Lannister army achieved victory but at the cost of their main commander, Lord Jason Lannister.

Key figures

1. Lord Jason Lannister: Led the Green forces, mortally wounded in battle. (Books and Show)
2. Ser Adrian Tarbeck: Took command after Lord Jason’s death. (Books)
3. Pate of Longleaf: Squire who mortally wounded Lord Jason. (Books)
4. Lord Tristan Vance: Led the Rivermen forces. (Books)
5. Lord Petyr Piper: Knighted Pate of Longleaf after the battle. (Books)

Aftermath

Johanna Lannister (Credits: Hylora)

1. The Greens won the battle, allowing them to cross the Red Fork. (Books)
2. Pate of Longleaf was knighted and became known as “Longleaf the Lionslayer”. (Books)
3. Lord Jason’s death left the Westerlands vulnerable to attack. (Books)
4. Dalton Greyjoy seized the opportunity to sack Lannisport and surrounding lands. (Books)
5. The Black forces regrouped for the later Battle by the Lakeshore. (Books)

Quotes

“Jason brings with him a thousand knights, seven thousand archers and men-at-arms, as well as two caged male lions.” – House of the Dragon, Season 2

“Ser Adrian managed to slay Lord Tristan, after which the resisting forces of the Rivermen surrendered.” – Fire and Blood

Quick answers

Who won the Battle at the Red Fork?

The Greens won the Battle at the Red Fork, led by the Lannister forces. (Books)

What happened to Lord Jason Lannister during the battle?

Lord Jason Lannister died at the hands of a squire named Pate of Longleaf. (Books)

Who took command of the Lannister forces after Lord Jason’s death?

Ser Adrian Tarbeck took command of the Lannister forces after Lord Jason’s death. (Books)

How does House of the Dragon set up this battle?

The show depicts Lord Jason Lannister gathering forces and marching towards Harrenhal. (Show)

What were the consequences of this battle for the Westerlands?

Lord Jason’s death left the Westerlands vulnerable, leading to attacks by Dalton Greyjoy. (Books)

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

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11/17/2024 09:07 am GMT

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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.