Who is Unwin Peake and will he be in House of the Dragon?

House of the Dragon continues to explore the rich history of Westeros, following the success of Game of Thrones. Based on George R. R. Martin’s works, the show reveals the political intrigues of the world created in A Song of Ice and Fire.

The Dance of the Dragons civil war involved the Targaryens and Hightowers, but also other houses like Stark, Lannister, and Baratheon. Amid these events, lesser-known Houses swore their allegiance to both sides, with some playing smaller parts and some having a long lasting influence. One of these lesser known characters who played a large part in the history of Westeros was the Lord of Starpike, Dustonbury and Whitegrove: Unwin Peake.

Lord Unwin’s story was detailed in Martin’s novel, Fire and Blood. This article explores Lord Unwin Peake’s life and legacy.

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Who was Lord Unwin Peake?

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Lord Unwin Peake was the ruler of Starpike, Dunstonbury, and Whitegrove during the Dance of the Dragons. He led House Peake and held key roles in the regency of King Aegon III.

Unwin’s ambition defined his actions. He opposed women rulers and sought power through manipulation. After the Dance of the Dragons, he became Hand of the King and Lord Regent.

His legacy is a mix of political schemes and influence on Westeros. Despite his controversies, Unwin left a mark on the realm’s history.

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Quick Facts

House of the Dragon

• Season 2 premiered, but Unwin Peake has not appeared.
• Fans speculate his introduction in future seasons.
• Potential ties to Aegon III’s regency era.
• The character could bring more political drama.
• His role may include conflicts with other regents.

Fire and Blood

• Led the Greens during the Dance of the Dragons.
• Created the Caltrops to oppose Ulf White and Hugh Hammer.
• Became Hand of the King after Queen Jaehaera’s death.
• Orchestrated the Maiden’s Day Ball to marry his daughter to King Aegon III.
• Suspected of involvement in conspiracies against the crown.

In House of the Dragon

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Speculations

Season 2 of House of the Dragon has introduced new storylines, but Lord Unwin Peake has not yet appeared. Fans anticipate his role as the series explores Aegon III’s regency era. If included, he could add complexity to the political plots and rivalries of Westeros.

Unwin’s ties to events like the Maiden’s Day Ball and his influence over the crown make him a potential candidate for future episodes. His connection to Valyrian steel and the sword Orphan-Maker could also play a role in enriching the series’ lore.

For now, his involvement remains speculative. The show continues to set the stage for more political intrigue, aligning with his historical significance.

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In the books

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Lord Unwin Peake during the Dance of the Dragons

Unwin Peake supported the Greens in the Dance of the Dragons. He led 1,000 men to join Lord Ormund Hightower’s army heading for King’s Landing. After the First Battle of Tumbleton, Ormund Hightower died. Unwin attempted to take control of the army, but others disagreed with him, causing internal conflicts.

During a war council, Unwin called Lord Owain Bourney a traitor and stabbed him in the eye. He wanted to wait for Lord Borros Baratheon’s reinforcements at Tumbleton. However, news from King’s Landing prompted him to push for an immediate attack. His plans faced opposition from other leaders in the camp.

After Prince Aemond Targaryen’s death, Unwin proposed making Prince Daeron Targaryen the new leader. He and Ser Hobert Hightower secretly formed the Caltrops. This faction aimed to remove Ulf White and Hugh Hammer, known as the Two Betrayers, from their positions of power within the Greens’ forces.

During the Second Battle of Tumbleton, Seasmoke burned Unwin’s tent, but he survived. After the battle, he questioned Ulf White about his ambitions. Ulf claimed he planned to take the Iron Throne once the Greens seized King’s Landing. The Caltrops’ plot succeeded when Ulf was poisoned shortly afterward by Hobert Hightower.

Unwin offered rewards to anyone who could claim Ulf’s dragon but found no success. Desertion weakened his army, and he abandoned plans to march on King’s Landing. Instead, he retreated from Tumbleton, marking the end of his role in the war.

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Lord Unwin Peake during the reign of Aegon III

In 133 AC, King Aegon III’s regents were chosen, but Unwin Peake was excluded. Septon Eustace wrote that Unwin felt deeply insulted. When Lord Corlys Velaryon died, the regents offered Unwin a position on the council, which he accepted. After Tyland Lannister’s death, Unwin became one of the three remaining regents.

Unwin argued that those who left King’s Landing before Tyland’s death forfeited their roles. With Grand Maester Munkun’s support, Unwin overturned Aegon’s previous appointments. He placed loyalists in key positions and made himself Hand of the King and Lord Protector of the Realm, consolidating power in his hands.

Unwin promoted family members and allies. His nephew and half-brother joined the Kingsguard, and he appointed Ser Gareth Long and Ser Lucas Leygood to important roles. He placed his widowed aunt, Clarice Osgrey, in charge of Queen Jaehaera Targaryen’s household.

Unwin also removed Septon Eustace and replaced him with Septon Bernard, a member of House Peake. He maintained a personal guard of ten sellswords called the “Fingers.” By 133 AC, he possessed Orphan-Maker, a Valyrian steel sword previously held by House Roxton.

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Lord Unwin Peake as Hand of the King

Unwin sought to display strength during his time as Hand. On the Feast Day of Our Father Above in 133 AC, he cleared the overcrowded dungeons of the Red Keep. He ordered public executions and other punishments for offenders. These actions reinforced his control over the realm.

Later that year, Unwin sent his uncle, Ser Gedmund Peake, to end the pirate kingdom led by Racallio Ryndoon in the Stepstones. The effort aimed to restore trade routes during the Daughters’ War. Unwin ordered Lord Alyn Velaryon to join the fleet, but Alyn ignored these commands.

Alyn sailed to Bloodstone, where he defeated the Braavosi fleet. Although the victory strengthened Westeros’ position, Unwin grew angry because Racallio remained untouched. He feared attacking Braavos could lead to conflict with the Free City. He then sent Alyn to the westerlands to fight Dalton Greyjoy.

In 133 AC, Queen Jaehaera Targaryen died by suicide, though rumors suggested murder. Archmaester Gyldayn speculated Unwin’s involvement, as her death could clear the way for Unwin’s daughter to marry King Aegon III. Gyldayn considered Ser Mervyn Flowers or one of the Fingers as possible assassins.

The death raised suspicions, especially since Aegon III had yet to father an heir. Some believed Unwin wanted to secure his family’s influence through the succession. His motives remained under scrutiny throughout his tenure as Hand of the King.

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Lord Unwin Peake and the Maiden’s Day Ball

After Jaehaera Targaryen’s death, Unwin proposed his daughter, Myrielle Peake, as a bride for Aegon III. Lords such as Cregan Stark and Kermit Tully criticized this suggestion. Even Grand Maester Munkun questioned the match, believing it served Peake interests rather than the realm’s needs.

Facing backlash, Unwin announced the Maiden’s Day Ball, allowing Aegon to choose his bride. He declared rules, limiting attendance to unmarried noblewomen under 30. More than 1,000 young women from Westeros and Essos participated. The event faced accidents and scandals, fueling rumors of a “Maiden’s Day curse.”

Unwin’s daughter spent time with Aegon before the ball. They dined together often, and she appeared to be his favorite. However, during the ball, Aegon grew disinterested. He shocked many by choosing Lady Daenaera Velaryon instead of Myrielle, foiling Unwin’s plans to make his daughter queen.

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The later life of Lord Unwin Peake

After his failure at the Maiden’s Day Ball, Unwin became paranoid. Mushroom, the court fool, claimed Unwin suspected Baela Targaryen of plotting against Aegon. He shared these fears with Ser Marston Waters, fearing Baela’s unborn child could threaten the king.

In 134 AC, Unwin resigned after threatening to leave the council. Despite his departure, many of his appointees remained in key positions. In 135 AC, a conspiracy against House Rogare was uncovered in King’s Landing. Some believed Unwin orchestrated this plot, though there was no clear evidence.

The conspiracy involved many of Unwin’s former allies, raising suspicions about his influence. Although he never regained power, his schemes left a lasting impact on Westerosi politics. Unwin’s later years remain shrouded in controversy and speculation.

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Quotes

“It behooves us now to pause for a moment and turn our gaze upon Unwin Peake, who would rule the Seven Kingdoms in all but name for the best part of three years, serving as Lord Regent, Protector of the Realm, and Hand of the King.” -Fire and Blood

Quick Answers

Was Unwin Peake a supporter of the Greens?

Yes, Unwin Peake supported the Greens during the Dance of the Dragons. This allegiance is detailed in Fire and Blood.

Did Unwin Peake appear in House of the Dragon?

No, as of Season 2, Unwin Peake has not appeared in House of the Dragon. Fans hope he will in future seasons.

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

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01/02/2025 12:22 pm GMT