Everything you need to know about the Battle by the Lakeshore

House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones are known for their epic battles and intense political conflicts, masterfully written by George R. R. Martin. One of the bloodiest battles during the Dance of the Dragons was the Battle by the Lakeshore. Set around the God’s Eye Lake, this event was pivotal in shaping the course of the war, leading to immense losses for both sides.

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What was the Battle by the Lakeshore?

Credits: Sven Sauer

The Battle by the Lakeshore occurred along the shores of the God’s Eye, the largest lake in the Seven Kingdoms. Fought between the armies supporting the Greens and the Blacks, it saw participation from various noble houses. Both sides suffered significant losses, making this battle one of the most deadly during the Dance of the Dragons.

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Quick Facts

• Date: During the Dance of the Dragons
• Location: God’s Eye Lake, Westeros
• Combatants: The Blacks (allied forces from House Stark, Frey, and Blackwood) vs. The Greens (Lannister forces)
• Outcome: Devastating losses for both sides

What was happening during the War?

Credits: HBO

At this point in the war, the Lannisters supported King Aegon II and the Greens. Their forces, led by Lord Jason Lannister until his death at the Red Fork, continued under Lord Humfrey Lefford. Meanwhile, the forces of the Blacks, including the Winter Wolves from House Stark, rallied to the side of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.

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Why did the Battle take place?

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The Lannister army, led by Lord Humfrey, positioned themselves defensively at the lakeshore while awaiting reinforcements from Prince Aemond. However, the Black forces, including Riverlords and the Winter Wolves, attacked before the Lannisters could regroup with Aemond’s forces at Harrenhal. The result was a bloody confrontation that would later be called “Fishfeed” due to the number of bodies left in the lake.

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What happened during the Battle?

Credits: Doug Wheatley

In a preemptive strike, the forces of the Blacks charged at the Lannister army five times, with heavy losses on both sides. The Lannisters, unable to hold their ground, retreated into the waters of the God’s Eye Lake, where many drowned or were cut down. The carnage was so great that the battle earned the name “Fishfeed.”

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The aftermath of the Battle by the Lakeshore

Credits: HBO

After the battle, the Lannisters were left in disarray. Lord Dalton Greyjoy of the Iron Islands took advantage of their weakened position to raid Lannisport, leaving Casterly Rock vulnerable. In the meantime, Criston Cole and Prince Aemond abandoned Harrenhal to fight a series of guerilla skirmishes, with Cole’s forces suffering more ambushes on the way.

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Key Figures

• Lord Humfrey Lefford: Commander of the Lannister forces
• Roddy the Ruin: Leader of the Winter Wolves
• Robb Rivers: Commander of the Blackwood archers
• Lord Benjicot Blackwood: Twelve-year-old Lord of House Blackwood

Quotes

“The lake turned red with the blood of men and wolves alike.” — Fire and Blood

Quick Answers

Why is the battle called “Fishfeed”?

It was named after the sheer number of bodies left in the water, which became known for “feeding the fish” with the dead.

Who won the battle?

While the Blacks ultimately pushed back the Lannisters, both sides suffered tremendous losses, making it a pyrrhic victory for the Blacks.