What happened at the Battle at Acorn Hall, and will we see it in House of the Dragon?

What was the battle at Acorn Hall?

Credits: HBO

The Battle at Acorn Hall occurred in 130 AC during the Dance of the Dragons. Acorn Hall, located in the Riverlands, was the site of a fierce confrontation between Greens and Blacks. Lords Joseth Smallwood and Petyr Piper commanded the Blacks, while Ser Adrian Tarbeck led the Greens.

Despite heavy losses on both sides, the Greens emerged victorious. Lord Smallwood retreated into Acorn Hall after the death of Lord Piper, which shattered the morale of the Blacks’ forces. The battle marked an important, though minor, moment in the larger Targaryen civil war.

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Quick facts

Show

• The battle may appear in House of the Dragon Season 3.

Books

• Occurred in 130 AC during the Dance of the Dragons.
• Ser Adrian Tarbeck commanded the Greens at Acorn Hall.

In the show

Credits: HBO

Events leading to the battle

The Battle at Acorn Hall has not yet been shown in House of the Dragon. At the end of the Season 2 finale, we saw the Lannister host amassing at the Golden Tooth. This is the same army that is meant to fight in the battle at Acorn Hall during the Dance of the Dragons.

Among the characters mentioned in the historical accounts of the battle, the only one who has been cast in the series is Lord Jason Lannister. However, this battle takes place after Jason’s death, when command passes to Ser Adrian Tarbeck. Ser Adrian has not been cast, though House Tarbeck is known to declare for the Greens during the war. The forces of House Tarbeck gather at the Golden Tooth as part of the Greens’ campaign.

The battle and its possible depiction

Depending on the adaptation choices, the battle may be altered to have Jason Lannister survive and lead the Greens instead of Ser Adrian Tarbeck. Alternatively, the battle could be omitted from the series entirely. Whether the battle at Acorn Hall will be shown in House of the Dragon remains uncertain, leaving us to speculate on how the story will unfold.

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In the books

Credits: Stefan Kopinski

What happened at the battle?

The Battle at Acorn Hall occurred in 130 AC during the Dance of the Dragons. It was part of the Targaryen civil war, involving key figures from both sides. Lord Jason Lannister was killed during the Battle at the Red Fork. After his death, Ser Adrian Tarbeck assumed command of the Greens’ forces. Meanwhile, Lord Petyr Piper led the surviving Blacks in retreat.

As the western forces marched toward Harrenhal, they encountered resistance at Acorn Hall. The Blacks, commanded by Lord Joseth Smallwood of Acorn Hall and Lord Piper, attempted to halt the advancing Greens. Lord Piper, however, died during the battle. Mushroom claims that Piper suffered a burst heart when he saw his grandson’s head displayed on a spear. Joseth Smallwood retreated with his forces into Acorn Hall to regroup.

Three days after the battle, renewed fighting broke out between the Greens and the Rivermen. Ser Adrian Tarbeck and Ser Harry Penny faced off in combat, and both men killed each other. Leadership of the Greens then passed to Lord Humfrey Lefford. Despite their losses, the Greens chose not to besiege Acorn Hall. Instead, they bypassed the stronghold and continued their march eastward.

Joseth Smallwood and Stanton Piper, who had survived the battle, later regrouped with new levies of older men and young boys. They returned to the fight during the Second Battle of Tumbleton. Their determination demonstrated the resilience of the Blacks in the face of significant challenges throughout the war.

The Battle at Acorn Hall highlights the smaller, yet impactful skirmishes that shaped the larger conflict of the Dance of the Dragons. While the Greens claimed a tactical victory by pushing forward, the surviving Black leaders remained committed to continuing their resistance.

Aftermath

Following the events at Acorn Hall, the Greens continued their advance. The decision to bypass the castle spared the lives of many within the walls, including Joseth Smallwood and Stanton Piper. These leaders played roles in later battles, scraping together forces despite heavy losses earlier in the war.

The death of Ser Adrian Tarbeck left a leadership void for the Greens. Lord Humfrey Lefford stepped in to command the remaining troops. This shift in leadership underscored the attrition faced by both sides as the conflict dragged on. The Dance of the Dragons was marked by such transitions, as many key figures met their ends on the battlefield.

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Key figures

• Lord Joseth Smallwood
• Ser Adrian Tarbeck
• Lord Petyr Piper
• Ser Harry Penny

Aftermath

• The Greens bypassed Acorn Hall and advanced toward Harrenhal.
• Joseth Smallwood raised a new army for the Second Battle of Tumbleton.
• Stanton Piper and Joseth Smallwood regrouped for future battles.
• Acorn Hall remained under the Greens’ control.

Quotes

“At Acorn Hall the westermen were checked briefly when Lord Joseth Smallwood sallied forth to join Lord Piper and the remnants of his defeated host, but Piper died in the battle that ensued.” – Fire and Blood

Quick answers

What was the battle at Acorn Hall?

The battle occurred during the Dance of the Dragons in 130 AC. It was a clash between Greens and Blacks. (Books)

Who led the forces?

Ser Adrian Tarbeck led the Greens. Lords Joseth Smallwood and Petyr Piper led the Blacks. (Books)

What were the consequences?

The Greens bypassed Acorn Hall and continued their march. Survivors regrouped to fight later in the war. (Books and Show)

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01/03/2025 12:27 pm GMT