Chapter 33

What does it mean to offend House Lannister?

In Westeros, there’s a widely sung ballad, known to kings and peasants alike, called The Rains of Castamere, also referred to as Tywin’s Curse.

This song recounts the story of how, before becoming Hand of the King, Tywin Lannister utterly erased House Reyne of Castamere from existence due to their disrespect toward House Lannister. In a single decisive battle, the Reynes—fellow lions of the Westerlands, famed for their wealth and power derived from gold mines—were completely annihilated. Not just the family itself, but their servants, soldiers, and anyone remotely tied to them were killed without mercy. So thorough was the destruction that, generations later, most people in Westeros don’t even know the Reynes ever existed.

"Massacre" and "annihilation" are words rarely used in Westeros. Such actions were once the prerogative of the Targaryens, conquerors who wielded dragons. Though the law permits lords to punish rebellious bannermen, Tywin Lannister is one of the few in Westerosi history to carry out such absolute retribution since Aegon’s conquest unified the Seven Kingdoms.

This act not only cemented Lannister dominance over the Westerlands but also struck fear across the entire continent. Even King Aerys II, the "Mad King," was so impressed by Tywin’s ruthlessness and efficiency that he invited him to serve as Hand of the King.

Tywin, as history proved, was more than capable of ruling the Seven Kingdoms.
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Following the Reynes’ eradication, Tywin wielded The Rains of Castamere as a weapon of psychological warfare. When House Farman of Faircastle defied his authority, Tywin merely sent a bard to play the song in their hall. They immediately submitted. During the infamous Red Wedding, the song served as the signal for the massacre of the Starks and their allies. Even during Joffrey and Margaery’s wedding feast, the song was subtly played at Queen Olenna’s request—her way of taunting the Lannisters.

In one of the war’s final moments, Edmure Tully surrendered Riverrun after Jaime Lannister had The Rains of Castamere performed for him. The song holds an unparalleled terror, not for its melody but for what it represents: the Lannisters' might and unforgiving nature.

Simply put, House Lannister is terrifying.
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But does anyone in Westeros dare to defy the Lannisters? Certainly. Among them is the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. No matter how powerful or wealthy Tywin Lannister might be, he cannot march an army to the Wall. The cold, desolate land of the Night’s Watch has no rainy seasons for Tywin to enforce his Rains.

Lord Commander Jeor Mormont, a seasoned warrior long past the days of youthful bravado, had no intention of challenging Tywin’s might but also saw no need to bow to the whims of Tyrion Lannister, the Hand’s younger son. When Tyrion proposed that Aegor accompany him to King’s Landing as an envoy for the Night’s Watch, Jeor scratched his beard thoughtfully before coming to a clever solution.

“It’s not that I don’t wish to accommodate your request, my lord,” Mormont said diplomatically, choosing his words with care. “But Aegor is a ranger under the First Ranger’s command, and I cannot transfer him without his direct superior’s consent. Moreover, Maester Aemon has expressed interest in assigning him to more administrative duties.”

With that, Mormont gestured to his steward. “Fetch the First Ranger and Maester Aemon.”

While Tyrion fumed at this deflection, Mormont allowed himself a small smile. The Lord Commander had shifted the burden onto two individuals even less likely to be swayed by House Lannister’s influence: a proud Stark and an elderly Targaryen.
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Moments later, Benjen Stark and Maester Aemon entered the room. Mormont explained Tyrion’s proposal and the condition to transfer Aegor to his service.

Benjen’s face immediately darkened. “Lannister,” he said coldly, his voice dripping with disdain. “I don’t know how your southern noble politics work, but I’ll warn you now: if you’re trying to poach a member of the Night’s Watch to serve your own interests, it ends here.”

Tyrion bristled at the accusation. “Poaching? Do you think me a fool? If I were king, I’d make Aegor my Hand. You, however, send him to fight Others and chase wildlings. It’s a disgrace to waste such talent.”

Maester Aemon chuckled softly before interjecting. “It appears we’ve all underestimated Aegor’s capabilities. My lord, I had already planned to remove him from ranger duties and assign him to administrative tasks—an area where he might better serve the Watch.”

“Administrative tasks?” Tyrion repeated incredulously. “Maester, you’d have him counting barrels of grain and reading old scrolls? That is an insult to his potential!”

Benjen crossed his arms and scoffed. “Aegor has sworn his life to the Watch. Whatever potential he has is for the Watch to use, not for you to take.”

Tyrion’s sharp mind raced for a counter. “If the Others breach the Wall, what then? You claim Aegor is a sworn brother of the Night’s Watch, yet you’d deny him the chance to make a greater impact? Are you truly protecting the realm by shackling him to outdated traditions?”

Benjen’s glare deepened, but Tyrion pressed on. “The Night’s Watch clings to the past, refusing to adapt. You isolate yourselves from the south, turning your backs on potential allies and resources. Is it any wonder the Watch has fallen into decline?”

The room fell silent. Even Maester Aemon seemed lost in thought.

Finally, Tyrion seized the moment. “Allow me to take Aegor to King’s Landing. There, he’ll achieve far more for the Watch than he ever could patrolling the Wall. And I will ensure that the Watch receives the recognition and support it desperately needs.”

Benjen remained unconvinced, but Maester Aemon’s thoughtful expression suggested he might be swayed. As the discussion continued, Tyrion knew he had to tread carefully—his wit and diplomacy were his only weapons against the unyielding traditions of the Night’s Watch.