Everything you need to know about the Butcher’s Ball from Dance of the Dragons

The Butcher’s Ball marked a significant moment in the Dance of the Dragons. George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood describes this brutal battle, which fans may see in future seasons of House of the Dragon. This battle changed the course of the war between the Blacks and Greens in Game of Thrones history.

Read More: All the Valyrian dragon commands we know so far from House of the Dragon

What happened at the Butcher’s Ball?

Criston Cole and Aemond Targaryen (Credits: HBO)

The Butcher’s Ball took place south of the Gods Eye Lake. Ser Criston Cole led the Green Army into an ambush by the Blacks. The battle ended with Cole’s death and the massacre of his forces. The battle earned its name from Ser Garibald’s comment about it being more butchery than battle.

Quick facts

1. The battle occurred after the Fall of King’s Landing. (Books)
2. Prince Aemond abandoned his army before the battle. (Books)
3. Black Trombo used disguised troops to ambush Cole’s forces. (Books)
4. Red Robb Rivers killed Ser Criston Cole with arrows. (Books)
5. The Blacks refused Cole’s offer to surrender. (Books)

In House of the Dragon

Credits: HBO

Future depiction

The Butcher’s Ball has not yet occurred in House of the Dragon. The show will likely depict this event in future seasons. The characters of Criston Cole and Prince Aemond lay the groundwork for this battle.

Read More: Everything we know about Lady Jeyne Arryn in House of the Dragon

How does Fire and Blood describe the Butcher’s Ball?

Credits: Hristo Chukov

Events leading to battle

Fire and Blood describes how King Aegon II’s injuries at Rook’s Rest led to these events. Prince Aemond became regent and led the army with Ser Criston Cole. They marched with 4,000 men to confront Daemon at Harrenhal. This decision left King’s Landing vulnerable to attack. After Daemon captured King’s Landing, Aemond flew into a rage and abandoned his army to burn the Riverlands.

The final battle

Cole’s army faced constant harassment as they marched south. Black Trombo’s disguised troops surprised them with ambushes. The Blacks surrounded Cole’s forces at a ridge near the Gods Eye. Cole attempted to surrender, but the Black commanders refused. Red Robb Rivers killed Cole before he could fight. The Winter Wolves and river knights then slaughtered the Green army.

Read More: Who is Alyn of Hull? Everything you need to know about Alyn Velaryon from House of the Dragon Season 2

Key figures

1. Ser Criston Cole: Hand of the King, led the Green forces. (Books)
2. Prince Aemond: Abandoned his army before the battle. (Books)
3. Black Trombo: Myrish sellsword who staged ambushes. (Books)
4. Red Robb Rivers: Killed Ser Criston Cole. (Books)
5. Roddy the Ruin: Led the Winter Wolves in battle. (Books)

Aftermath

1. The Greens lost their Hand of the King. (Books)
2. The Green Army in the Riverlands was destroyed. (Books)
3. The Blacks gained control of the region. (Books)
4. Prince Aemond continued his rampage through the Riverlands. (Books)
5. The battle showed the effectiveness of the Blacks’ guerrilla tactics. (Books)

Quotes

“It was closer to butchery than actual battle.” – Ser Garibald Grey

Quick answers

Why was it called the Butcher’s Ball?

Ser Garibald called it butchery rather than battle, due to the one-sided nature of the slaughter. (Books)

How did Ser Criston Cole die?

Red Robb Rivers killed Cole with arrows before he could fight the Black commanders. (Books)

What role did Prince Aemond play?

Aemond abandoned his army to burn the Riverlands on Vhagar, leaving Cole’s forces vulnerable. (Books)

How many men did the Greens lose?

Most of Cole’s 3,600 men died in the battle or while trying to escape. (Books)

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

$22.00 $15.70

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

04/19/2025 08:32 am GMT