Kingsguard

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For the British military unit called the King's Guard see Queen's Guard; for royal/governmental protective agencies see: List of protective service agencies.

The Kingsguard are the royal bodyguards of Westeros in George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

1 History
2 Recent members of the Kingsguard

[edit] History

The Kingsguard was founded by Aegon the Conqueror of House Targaryen as an elite bodyguard for those of royal blood. A poetic name for them is "the White Swords", or "the White Cloaks". Historically composed of seven knights sworn to a lifetime of service, members are to serve unto death despite age or any physical or mental ailments. During his time as a member of the Kingsguard a member is not allowed to hold lands, sire children, marry, or have any worldly allegiance except to his monarch. Some of the greatest warriors, battle commanders, swordsmen, and famous historical figures in the history of Westeros have served in the Kingsguard, including members of House Targaryen itself.

The knights of the guard wear all white capes, carry plain white shields and with some occasional exceptions wear little or no ornamentation or sigils on their armor. This plain but striking attire leads credence to their role of being seen and not heard until their advice is asked. Discretion and wisdom are often as important skills as martial ability being as they are expected to be with their King or Queen at all times, privy to all their secrets, plans and every aspect of their personal lives.

The Kingsguard has continuously existed since the Conquest. Its uninterrupted history is recorded in the White Book, a volume maintained by the head of the Kingsguard, known as the Lord Commander, and stored in the Round Room of the White Sword Tower, a four story tower built into one of the walls of the Red Keep of King's Landing. In the White Book, officially known as the Book of the Brothers, each member of the Kingsguard is given one page on which his personal history and a record of his deeds are written. Because of its status as the royal bodyguard and the many remarkable figures who have been members, the Kingsguard has been involved in many major historical events in Westeros.

After the War of the Usurper, Robert Baratheon, the new king, chose to continue the tradition of the Kingsguard. He went as far as to elevate a member of Aerys II's Kingsguard, Barristan Selmy, to the position of Lord Commander. Selmy held that position until dismissed in an unprecedented move by Robert's heir, Joffrey. After Selmy's dismissal the last of the remaining knights from Aerys II's Kingsguard, Joffrey's uncle Jaime Lannister, was appointed Lord Commander.

Lastly, the last Targaryen claimant in exile, Daenerys Stormborn, has begun convening a body of sworn protectors, which she styles her Queensguard in deference to her gender.

[edit] Recent members of the Kingsguard

[edit] Under Aerys II

Lord Commander Ser Gerold Hightower, known as the White Bull. Killed at the Tower of Joy.
Ser Arthur Dayne, known as the Sword of the Morning. Killed at the Tower of Joy.
Ser Barristan Selmy, known as Barristan the Bold. Later elevated to Lord Commander by King Robert Baratheon.
Ser Jaime Lannister, known later as the Kingslayer for his regicide of Aerys II.
Prince Lewyn Martell, killed by Lyn Corbray at the Battle of the Trident.
Ser Jonothor Darry, killed at the Battle of the Trident.
Ser Oswell Whent, known for his dark humor. Killed at the Tower of Joy.
Ser Harlan Grandison, died in his sleep prior to War of the Usurper, replaced by Ser Jaime Lannister.
Ser Gwayne Gaunt, killed during the Defiance of Duskendale.

[edit] Under Robert Baratheon

It should be noted that after the War, King Robert was left in the awkward position of having to fill not one but five vacancies in the Kingsguard. This, along with the blatantly political appointments made by his wife, Queen Cersei Lannister, lead many to regard this as a low point in the Kingsguard's history. The continued inclusion of Jaime Lannister despite his betrayal of Aerys II was poorly received by many outside of the Lannister inner circle.

Lord Commander Ser Barristan Selmy.
Ser Jaime Lannister, brother to Queen Cersei.
Ser Meryn Trant.
Ser Boros Blount.
Ser Preston Greenfield.
Ser Arys Oakheart.
Ser Mandon Moore.

[edit] Under Joffrey Baratheon

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

The Kingsguard entered an even more controversial time after the death of King Robert. His heir, King Joffrey, dismissed Lord Commander Selmy, something never before done in the history of the Kingsguard. This time period also saw the appointment of a unanointed and brutal House Lannister retainer, Sandor Clegane. These changes in the Kingsguard including the appointment of Lannister loyalists and Loras Tyrell of House Tyrell, Lannister allies in the War of the Five Kings, can be viewed as attempts to make political appointments in order to solidify Lannister power on the throne.

Lord Commander Barristan Selmy, dismissed in an unprecedented move by King Joffrey after Robert's death. Joins Daenerys Targaryen in the far east as her advisor and Queensguard.
Lord Commander Jaime Lannister, elevated after Selmy's dismissal. His right hand was amputated by the Brave Companions at Vargo Hoat's order after his capture. Returned to King's Landing by Brienne of Tarth.
Ser Meryn Trant.
Ser Boros Blount, removed for surrendering his ward, Prince Tommen to Tommen's uncle, Tyrion Lannister. Despite this, no harm came to Tommen and Blount was later reinstated.
Ser Preston Greenfield, killed by rioters in King's Landing.
Ser Arys Oakheart, killed by Areo Hotah in Dorne during a failed coup.
Ser Mandon Moore, killed by Tyrion Lannister's squire, Podrick Payne at the Battle of the Blackwater.
Sandor Clegane, deserted during the Battle of the Blackwater. Controversially, Sandor was raised to the white cloak by King Joffrey in spite of his not being an anointed knight.
Ser Balon Swann.
Ser Osmund Kettleblack, former sellsword. While superficially Ser Osmund and his two brothers are sworn swords of Cersei Lannister, in truth they are agents of Petyr Baelish.
Ser Loras Tyrell, known as the Knight of Flowers and former lover of Renly Baratheon.

[edit] Famed Historical Members

Prince Aemon, known as the Dragonknight, later Lord Commander. Killed defending his brother King Aegon IV from an assassination attempt by two brothers of House Toyne.
Ser Criston Cole, later Lord Commander. Called the Kingmaker, his decision to crown Aegon II against the deceased King's wishes lead to the Targaryen civil war known as The Dance of Dragons.
Ser Ryam Redwyne, later Lord Commander, was thought to be one of the best knights and worst King's Hands that Westeros had ever seen.
Ser Duncan the Tall, famed knight and later Lord Commander. Companion to King Aegon V during the latter's childhood.
Ser Erryk, died fighting his twin, Arryk, during the civil war known as The Dance of Dragons.
Ser Arryk, died fighting his twin, Erryk, during the civil war known as The Dance of Dragons.
Ser Gwayne Corbray, battled Daemon Blackfyre for nearly an hour at the battle of Redgrass Field during the Blackfyre Rebellion before being defeated.
Ser Serwyn of the Mirror Shield, legendary knight.
Ser Terrence Toyne, executed for having an affair with King Aegon IV's mistress. His execution led to a failed assassination attempt by his two brothers resulting in the death of Prince Aemon.
Ser Lucamore Strong, called Lucamore the Lusty after it became known he secretly took three wives and fathered numerous children. For this, he was gelded by the rest of the Kingsguard and sent to the Wall by King Jaehaerys I.